12 Recognising and Connecting with the Love in Midwifery

Speaker(s):Diane Ménage & Jenny Patterson

Facilitator: Amina Suleiman Rajah

Abstract:  Recognising and Connecting with the Love in Midwifery

Background:  There has been a reluctance to discuss the role of love in midwifery. This is surprising given that midwives are required to form caring relationships with women and families and to be committed and compassionate. 

 Aims

 1) To invite midwives to consider what love means in this context and how love is a motivation and call to action for the provision of safe, respectful midwifery care for all.

 2) To share stories of midwives experiences of love in their work. 

 Discussion

 Drawing on evidence from biology, psychology, sociology and theology, this presentation will explore the idea that midwifery is driven by a form of modified love.

 Midwives will be invited to reflect on how they can support all women and families by helping to create the conditions in which love can flourish; and whether they recognise and feel proud of the love in their midwifery work. The world desperately needs more midwives and it has never been more important to ensure that people come into midwifery and stay in it – because they love it. Stories from midwives in different parts of the world, provide rich, heart-warming accounts of the ways in which they have experienced love in their work.

 Key Message: Love is not just an emotion it is a fundamental human need, a value, a choice and a powerful force for good, which can drive quality midwifery care for all women and families and meaningful, fulfilling work for midwives

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