The week that showed the strength of the maternity community in Wales
In this blog, Julie Richards, Director of RCM Cymru, reflects on the events at the end of February and beginning of March, and the importance of the strength, passion and commitment of the maternity community across Wales at a time when maternity services are in the spotlight. Last week was a defining moment for maternity care […]
Feminism & Gender Issues in Midwifery: Search Pack of the Month, March
Our Search Pack of the Month for March, commemorating International Women’s Day, brings together research exploring how gender dynamics shape maternity care. Sunday 8 March marks International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, an annual opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements globally, whilst reflecting on the work still needed to reach true gender equality. Research has consistently shown […]
The time for advocacy is now: the update to the European Directive on midwifery education
A once in a generation opportunity is approaching and midwives need to be part of shaping it. The European Commission is currently reviewing Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC on Professional Qualifications – the framework that sets the international benchmark for midwifery education, qualification recognition and professional mobility. In the March 2026 edition of MIDIRS Midwifery […]
‘Safe staffing = safe care’: Your voices, your manifesto, your campaign
In this blog, RCM Director for Scotland Jaki Lambert reflects on the launch of our Scotland Manifesto and the powerful message at its heart: safe staffing equals safe care. Drawing on the voices of midwives, maternity care assistants, students and leaders from across Scotland, Jaki sets out why this campaign belongs to members – and […]
Becoming a midwife: a reflective exploration of identity, training and the future of compassionate care
About the Author Munira Khamis, a 3rd-year DMU student, was born in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. She completed a Higher Diploma in Counselling and Psychology in 2013 and practised for a period of time before relocating to England. From an early age, Munira developed a strong curiosity about biology, creation, and pregnancy. Her respect for pregnancy […]
Zero Tolerance to FGM: Care, Evidence and Justice for Survivors
As we witness Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) on 6 February, the Royal College of Midwives urges the UK government to ensure that all FGM survivors can access and receive the care, dignity and support they need and deserve. FGM is a serious human rights violation affecting more than 230 million women and […]
Female Genital Mutilation: Search Pack of the Month, February
February’s Search Pack of the Month commemorates the United Nations’ International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation. Today, February 6, marks the United Nations’ International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This day feeds into a global movement to reaffirm FGM as a serious human rights violation and to strengthen […]
Book Review – DEFY: the power of no in a world that demands yes
About the Author Gillian Meldrum was an NHS midwife for almost 40 years as a caseloading team midwife, then as practice development and infant feeding lead. She is now retired and an engaged member of the Association of Radical Midwives working to campaign for improvements on maternity experiences. Book Review – DEFY: The power of […]
“It felt empowering to share the realities members face” – my day at Parliament speaking about maternity care
Lorna Forshaw, RCM Health and Safety Representative and frontline midwife (pictured far right), shares her experience of attending Parliament to speak about the urgent need for investment in maternity infrastructure. I was really daunted at first when my organiser Rae asked me if I was interested in speaking at Parliament. I’ve only ever been […]
“Everything changes when you read”: libraries and reading to support health and wellbeing
About the Author Clarisse Lima works at MIDIRS as an administrator, handling all of our customer service queries and subscriber logistics. She has an academic background in Heritage and worked for five years in public libraries as a Library Assistant and later as a Library Supervisor. “Everything changes when you read: libraries and reading to […]