Submitted by Robert H on Thu, 05/05/2011 - 19:34
Local Health Care Providers Celebrate International Day of the Midwife
Midwife Wendi Cleckner explains International Day of the Midwife.
Thursday morning, around forty midwives, midwifery students, and new parents met at University Park in Downtown Phoenix to celebrate International Day of the Midwife. May 5th of every year has been designated by the International Confederation of Midwives to draw attention to better maternal care of women around the world.
Midwives and friends gather at University Park for a 5k walk.
Over 340,000 women die each year, with millions more suffering infection and disability, as a result of preventable maternal causes.
The International Confederation of Midwives is committed to reducing inequality, through greater access to essential midwifery care worldwide, particularly in developing countries where 90% of maternal deaths occur.
Midwives Marinah Farrell and Alison Haasch walk the 5k
Speaking at the launch of the event Midwife Wendi Cleckner said, "The world needs midwives more than ever. Access to essential midwifery services reduces maternal and infant mortality and reduces the cycle of poverty in developing countries."
"We want to demonstrate our commitment to tackling maternal and newborn mortality by walking shoulder to shoulder with midwives and mothers around the world."
The state of Arizona currently has over sixty licensed midwives around the state. Midwives help to reduce healthcare costs, provide well-woman care outside of pregnancy, and contribute to making birth safer in Arizona.
Many of the midwives often work with lower-risk mothers who are otherwise unable to afford expensive hospital care when it is otherwise not needed. In Arizona, midwives are able to deliver babies either at home or in birth centers.
In light of the recent AHCCCS cuts to health care, midwives will be even more important to help fill the need for safe and inexpensive care.
Walking toward the Arizona State Capitol
Midwife Wendi Cleckner speaks with a reporter from Channel 5 WPHO
The group poses at the Arizona State Capitol
Midwife Connie Canada mingles with the crowd at the Arizona State Capitol
Walking along the 5k course
Midwives Alison Haasch and Sue DiSilvestro
Midwifery student Stacey Reblitz