1. Elgonda Bekker President, Society of Midwives of South Africa

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

4. 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

5. 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.

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

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

8. 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

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

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

12. 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

13. www.midwivessociety.co.za Provincial structure Annual congress:
22-25August 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