Podcast: The important role midwives play

She's that person who gets to hold your hand and calm you down while bringing a new life into the world. Midwives are special human beings whose roles are so critical long before the little bundle of joy arrives

We are back for another episode of the Health For Mzansi podcast and this time we are discussing the experiences and what it takes to be a midwife in South Africa. I am sure we are all familiar with the appointed “aunty” in the community that gets called when a baby needs to be delivered. Well, one can think of a midwife for that very same reason, of course with the papers to prove it!

To give more insight into the profession, we chat with Sister Nompumelelo Blakfesi, who works at Mowbray Maternity Hospital in Cape Town, with eight years of experience. She obtained her first nursing diploma at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), and then recently graduated from the same institution with a primary healthcare diploma.

She encourages those that want to follow the path to becoming a midwife to register with SANC (South African Nursing Council) as a student through college or university. Once the skills and competencies have been completed, you will be registered as a midwife.

Developing relationships early on

Blakfesi describes her role as important as she is the one that provides evidence-based care to pregnant mothers so that they can make informed choices when it comes to options and services available to them when they give birth.

Throughout the pregnancy process, the midwife is really a pregnant mother’s best friend, supporting her by providing information and offering guidance to ensure a safe and healthy delivery for both the newborn and the mother.

It is unfortunate that there is a lack of acknowledgement for midwives in South Africa, as they ensure and dedicate their lives to the safe arrival of the greatest gift of all.

Blakfesi also discusses:

Home-based and medicated birth options.
Challenges that midwives also face, such as lack of resources, short staffing, and not being appreciated by patients or management.