Midwives across NSW are being recognised today for their dedication and valuable contribution, as part of International Day of the Midwife.

NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Jacqui Cross said midwives across the state provide high quality care during one of the most important times in a family’s life.

“This is a really special day for midwives all around the state to stop and think about the huge contribution they make to women, babies and their families,” Ms Cross said.

“Midwives are in a really unique position. They get to share some really joyous times with women and families and they can make a real difference to the experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenting.

“To all the midwives in NSW, I’d like to personally thank you for all your hard work and your dedication.”

Skye Parsons is an Aboriginal Liaison Midwife at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown.

“I work with Aboriginal women and their families, ensuring they receive culturally- appropriate care,” Ms Parsons said.

“Midwifery is a very rewarding career. It’s such a privilege to be there at the beginning of new life as women become mothers, and a real opportunity for the best start to life for our babies.”

Since June 2015, the midwifery workforce in NSW has increased by 12 per cent, growing at a higher rate than the number of births in NSW.

The NSW Government has committed to the largest Australian healthcare workforce boost with an extra 5000 nurses and midwives across regional and metropolitan areas over four years, as part of a $2.8 billion investment in frontline staff.

To help celebrate the work of our midwives, nominations are now open for the Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards and they close on Friday 28 June 2019.

NSW Health’s International Day of the Midwife video message.