Mother’s Day is a time to pause and reflect on the strength, resilience, and love of mothers everywhere. As a midwife, it’s a day that carries particular meaning. I have the privilege of walking alongside women at one of the most powerful moments of their lives, the moment they become a mother and Mother’s Day invites us to honour not only motherhood itself, but the generations of women who have shaped it.
The History of Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day, as we know it today, has its roots in the early 20th century. It began as a movement to recognise the sacrifices mothers made for their families and communities. Anna Jarvis, who is credited with founding Mother’s Day in 1908, envisioned it as a day of quiet reflection, gratitude, and appreciation for maternal care and devotion.
Long before it became associated with cards and flowers, the heart of Mother’s Day was about acknowledging the unseen work of mothers the emotional labour, the physical toll, and the deep, enduring love that often goes unrecognised.
Mothers Through History
Across history, motherhood has looked quite different from one era to the next. In the past, women often gave birth at home, supported by other women in their community. Birth was woven into daily life, and knowledge was passed down through generations.
Mothers raised children while managing households, working the land, and caring for extended families often with little rest and limited medical support. Their strength and endurance laid the foundations for the care and understanding we strive to offer today.
The Role of Midwives: Then and Now
Midwives have always stood beside mothers. Historically, midwives were trusted members of their communities, offering practical care, emotional reassurance, and guidance through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.
While modern midwifery is grounded in evidence-based practice and medical training, the heart of the role remains unchanged. As midwives, we support not just the safe arrival of babies, but the wellbeing of women as they step into motherhood.
We listen. We reassure. We advocate. And we remind mothers that their needs matter too.
Motherhood in the Modern World
Today’s mothers face different challenges. There is more information than ever before, yet often less time, less rest, and greater pressure to “get it right.” Social media can create unrealistic expectations of motherhood, leaving many women feeling as though they are falling short.
From a midwife’s perspective, one of the most important messages to share this Mother’s Day is this: there is no single right way to be a mother. Every journey is unique, and every mother deserves compassion, support, and understanding.
A Midwife’s Message This Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is for all mothers, new mums, experienced mums, expectant mums, those who have lost, and those who carry motherhood in their hearts in different ways.
As midwives, we see the quiet moments that often go unnoticed: the tired smiles, the tears of relief, the fierce protectiveness, and the deep love that grows day by day. It is an honour to witness these moments and to support women through them.
This Mother’s Day, we celebrate mothers past and present and we reaffirm our commitment, as midwives, to stand beside them with care, respect, and compassion.
