The midwives of the city are joining with women and families to celebrate International Day of the Midwife and walk in support of Safe Motherhood Initiatives worldwide on May 5 at Riverside Park here.
“We want to celebrate what we have achieved here and continue to raise awareness and work on behalf of women around the world” said Nadine Duhil-Enns, of Family Midwifery Care. Duhil-Enns, a midwife for 25 years, has worked in Africa and Haiti. She has seen first hand the real impact behind the statistics of infant and maternal mortality on whole communities.
“The international development goals about improving maternal health are nowhere near being met by the world community,” said Basak Ardalani, a registered midwife in Guelph.
“We are holding this event to highlight the excellent care women receive from midwives here in Guelph and across Ontario, in comparison to the lack of care often available to our sisters in other nations around the world.”
Ardalani is heading to Durban, South Africa in June for the International Congress of Midwives. That conference is held once every three years in varying locations around the world. This year’s will begin with a march into Durban, a “continuation” of the local walks happening globally on May 5.
“I can’t wait to bring the energy and support from the Guelph walk with me to Durban,” she said. “The Walk to Durban is both a literal walk and a symbolic one, showing the long way maternal health care has to go for the women of many nations.”
Midwives in Ontario are registered health professionals who provide primary care to women with low-risk pregnancies. Midwives provide care throughout pregnancy, labour, and birth, and provide care to mother and baby during the first six weeks following the birth. Midwifery is covered by OHIP and women can choose to deliver their babies in hospital or at home.
The walk is being held May 5 from 3 to 5pm at the Riverside Park pavillion (by the playground) rain or shine. Donations are being accepted and pledge sheets are available at midwifery practices. Donations will also be accepted the day of the event. The walk distance is 1.8km.
Walkers will gather at the pavilion at 3pm to decorate posters. The walk will finish at the pavillion, where light refreshments will be provided. Bring a water bottle or mug.
All funds raised will be directed to one of three organizations dedicated to improving the health and safety of mothers and babies around the world.
