Elgonda Bekker President, Society of Midwives of South Africa

Global 287 000 women die from preventable causes 2,7 million babies die in first month Strong partnerships between mothers and midwives prevent deaths

The best partnership for a pregnant woman is with a qualified midwife Experience less preterm births Less interventions during labour Shorter hospital stays Breastfeed more often and longer Use contraception and space births more often

The best partnership for a pregnant woman is with a qualified midwife Extending this partnership to all pregnant women would save millions of lives each year If all women delivered with a midwife + In a facility capable of providing basic emergency care 56% of maternal, foetal, and newborn deaths could be prevented.

Key messages The world needs more midwives Educated and regulated to global standards Competent educators SOMSA position statement

Midwives care for women with skill and compassion Obstetric violence and respectful care Position statement SOMSA

SOMSA Every day, thousands of babies are born, mothers are taken care of and lives are saved – by midwives May 5th annually remind the world of these everyday achievements Celebrate the successes of midwives and focus on recognizing the importance of midwifery Call attention to improvements still needed to ensure that all women have access to a qualified midwife

Vision SOMSA envisions midwives being sensitive and empowered to deliver effective Midwifery services in SA.

Mission To influence and engage with Midwifery structures and all relevant stakeholders regarding education, regulation and policies that impact on the Midwifery practice.

Objectives  Raise the status, maintain the integrity, support and promote the interests of the midwife Develop and promote an adequate, efficient and effective midwifery service in South Africa Consider every matter in connection with or with reference to midwifery and act as an advisory body Bring about liaison and cooperation with other groups and health care providers associated with midwifery Encourage the establishment of local groups in order to promote the aims and goals of the Society Promote research in midwifery Promote liaison with midwifery groups internationally

www.midwivessociety.co.za Provincial structure Annual congress: 22-25August 2017- Tusk Rio Casino Klerksdorp Current projects: Ultrasound Direct entry submission Roles and responsibilities of midwife and advanced midwife Medical insurance and obstetrics Collaboration with NEA, NNASA- Infant skincare guidelines