Oh baby!

More than 11,000 babies have been born in Irish hospitals since the Covid-19 virus first reached Ireland in February, with CUMH

likely to have been among the busiest in Ireland.

That’s according to new analysis released by the INMO this week to mark International Day of Midwives which fell on 5 May.

The special day celebrates and recognises the role of midwives in delivering expert care and supporting women and babies around the globe.

The INMO is calling on all parties to not only recognise the work done by midwives, but to ensure that staffing levels are set scientifically.

There is currently 1,479 staff midwives working in the public health service in Ireland. That is below the scientifically recommended ratio of one midwife to every 29.5 births.

INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha, said that as Covid-19 puts pressure on the Irish health system, “midwives are there for mothers and babies, providing care, comfort, advocacy and advice”.

“While much has been put on hold during the pandemic, childbirth has continued as normal. Today alone, midwives in Ireland will welcome over 150 new people to the world,” Ms Ní Sheaghdha said.

She added: “The skill and dedication of midwives not only deserves recognition, but support. Consistent understaffing has put midwifery under pressure, leaving overworked staff to pick up the slack.”

Ms Ní Sheaghdha concluded by calling on Ireland’s next government to ensure that the promise of safe staffing in the National Maternity Strategy is upheld, and that staffing numbers set by scientific safe levels.