‘Critical in every crisis’: Limerick hospital celebrates midwives’ vital role

MIDWIVES at University Maternity Hospital Limerick are shining a spotlight on their roles as trusted first responders, in celebrations to mark International Day of the Midwife.

This Tuesday, new mums and other service-users at the maternity hospital will join this 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 are focused on the 2025 theme ‘Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis.’ 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.

Midwives at UMHL have been reflecting on what they value most in their roles ahead of International Day of the Midwife. Yvonne Tier is an Advanced Midwifery Practitioner for Supported Care, who works in the Birth After Caesarean Clinic. “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.”

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Emma Fitzgerald, a staff midwife at UMHL for 15 years, added: “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.”

This Tuesday, the UMHL celebrations begin with a ‘Blessing of Hands’ service for all staff, ahead of a day of activities and presentations highlighting the expertise of our midwives, and outlining quality improvements to ensure every pregnant woman has access to qualified midwives and appropriate maternity services.

Educational sessions will spotlight various roles within the profession, including key positions in Drugs and Alcohol Liaison, Neonatal Discharge , Pregnancy Ultrasound, and the Power of Communication, while research undertaken by the midwifery staff will be showcased in a poster display.

Commemorative certificates will be presented to the mums of all babies born at UMHL on the International Day of the Midwife, while staff have organised a fundraising collection for Ronald McDonald House, the charity that provides accommodation and emotional support for families of sick children undergoing treatment at Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin.

Eileen Ronan, Director of Midwifery, described midwifery 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. On this International Day of the Midwife, we celebrate midwifery and also remind women locally of the excellent care and services available at UMHL," she said.