MIDWIVES at University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL) shone a spotlight on their roles as trusted first responders during celebrations to mark International Day of the Midwife.
New mums and other service-users at the maternity hospital joined in the salute to midwives’ role at the heart of maternity care, working for the safety and wellbeing of mothers and new-borns before, during, and after birth.
The international celebrations focused on the 2025 theme ‘Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis’, and this year has a sharp focus on how women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals are disproportionately affected by natural disasters, conflicts and climate change events, heightening the risk of pregnancy complications and gender-based violence and limiting their access to essential healthcare, a spokesperson for the hospital said.
Midwives at UMHL have been reflecting on what they value most in their roles. Yvonne Tier is an advanced midwifery practitioner, who works in the Birth After Caesarean Clinic at the maternity hospital.
“What I love most about my role is the continuity of care. I build strong relationships with the women who attend my clinic and work in partnership with them and their families, which brings great satisfaction,” she said.
Emma Fitzgerald, a staff midwife at UMHL for 15 years, said “it’s an honour to be part of such a special moment in someone’s life, providing both emotional and physical care as they begin their journey to parenthood.”
The UMHL celebrations began with a ‘Blessing of Hands’ service for all staff. Commemorative certificates were presented to the mums of all babies born at UMHL on the International Day of the Midwife, while staff organised a fundraising collection for Ronald McDonald House, a charity that provides accommodation and emotional support for families of sick children undergoing treatment at Children’s Health Ireland in Crumlin.
Eileen Ronan, director of midwifery at UMHL, described the work of midwives as “an incredibly dynamic and fulfilling profession, with opportunities in clinical, management, education, and research roles”, and urged school-leaving students to consider it as a career.
“Nothing is more important than ensuring each woman and new-born has access to the best possible care before, during, and after birth,” she said.
