Midwives have become professionals accompanying women on their health journey!

Assoc. Prof. Ayça Demir Yıldırım, a faculty member of the Midwifery Department, stated that midwives undertake important roles not only in the birthing process but also in preventive health services within the modern healthcare system, saying, "Today, midwives are involved in both preventive and curative health services. With the development of technology, they can reach more people through methods such as remote monitoring, mobile applications, and telehealth."

Assoc. Prof. Ayça Demir Yıldırım, a faculty member of the Midwifery Department at Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences, evaluated the transformation of the midwifery profession, which has been strengthened with new regulations.

"Midwifery has transformed into a professional healthcare field based on scientific foundations"

Assoc. Prof. Ayça Demir Yıldırım reminded that midwifery is a profession as old and deeply rooted as human history, stating, "Midwifery is a profession as old and deeply rooted as human history. For centuries, midwives have stood by birthing women, supported them, and been a source of trust in their most difficult moments. Today, midwifery has ceased to be merely a profession that assists in childbirth; it has transformed into a professional healthcare field based on scientific data."

Emphasizing that midwifery, once learned through a master-apprentice relationship, has today become an academic profession taught at the undergraduate level in universities, Assoc. Prof. Yıldırım continued:

"Midwives are now healthcare professionals who monitor the physical and psychological health of the mother from pre-pregnancy to birth and the postpartum period, manage normal deliveries, and play an active role in newborn care. They also provide services in areas such as family planning, reproductive health, and community health."

With the new regulation, the powers and responsibilities of midwives have been strengthened

Assoc. Prof. Ayça Demir Yıldırım stated that midwives undertake important roles not only in the birthing process but also in preventive health services within the modern healthcare system, saying, "Today, midwives are involved in both preventive and curative health services. With the development of technology, they can reach more people through methods such as remote monitoring, mobile applications, and telehealth. Moreover, it has become possible for them to provide services independently in some areas."

Assoc. Prof. Ayça Demir Yıldırım noted that midwifery education in Turkey was raised to the undergraduate level starting from 1996, and then academically strengthened with master's and doctoral programs. She said, "The new Midwifery Regulation published by the Ministry of Health on December 3, 2024, has clarified the powers and responsibilities of midwives, strengthening their independent working rights, such as practicing as a freelance professional. As part of the Normal Birth Action Plan, it has been ensured that every pregnant woman has her own dedicated midwife and receives one-on-one midwifery support during the birthing process."
Emphasizing that the regulation covers not only the birthing process but also many areas of women's health, Assoc. Prof. Yıldırım stated:
"The regulation has enabled midwives to be more effective and authorized not only during childbirth but also in areas such as reproductive health, sexual health, family planning counseling, and community health leadership. Midwives are encouraged to manage births and C-sections according to current clinical guidelines, thereby reinforcing their decision-making authority in physiological processes that do not require medical intervention."

"Empowering midwives contributes to the reduction of C-section rates"

Assoc. Prof. Ayça Demir Yıldırım stated that maternal and infant health indicators are more positive in healthcare systems where midwifery services are strong, adding, "In healthcare systems where midwifery services are not sufficiently strong, problems such as weakening preventive health services, a decrease in healthy lifestyle habits, and the disruption of the natural course of the birthing process can arise. The high C-section rate of 61.2 percent in Turkey is considered an important indicator of this situation."

Stating that World Health Organization data also reveal the importance of midwives, Assoc. Prof. Yıldırım said:

"According to World Health Organization data, in systems where midwives are active, both C-section rates and maternal and infant mortality are lower. Midwives can prevent unnecessary surgical interventions, especially by supporting normal birth in low-risk pregnancies."
Referring to the importance of one-on-one support provided to expectant mothers throughout labor, Assoc. Prof. Yıldırım said, "Midwives, who prepare expectant mothers for the process and provide one-on-one support throughout labor, reduce the risks of complications by ensuring that birth progresses in line with its natural course. The 'Clinical Guide for Labor Management for Midwives' published by the Ministry of Health also emphasizes the key role of midwives in managing birth as a physiological process." 

They undertake a critical role in protecting postpartum mental health

Assoc. Prof. Ayça Demir Yıldırım pointed out that the postpartum period is a sensitive time not only physically but also psychologically, stating, "The postpartum period is a delicate process for mothers, both physically and emotionally. During this period, midwives, by providing regular follow-up and support, prevent the mother from feeling alone and can detect mental changes early through follow-up visits. Midwives use various assessment methods during follow-ups to identify mothers at risk of postpartum depression early, and when necessary, refer them to specialist support, playing an important role in protecting the mother's mental health through early intervention."

Digitalization is also transforming midwifery services

Assoc. Prof. Ayça Demir Yıldırım stated that the digital transformation in healthcare has made midwifery services more accessible, saying, "Digital developments in the field of health have also transformed midwifery services. Now, care services are no longer limited to hospitals but can also be maintained through digital platforms."

Assoc. Prof. Yıldırım stated that the "Motherhood Journey" application and digital midwife consultation systems provide significant convenience to mothers, saying, "The 'Motherhood Journey' mobile application, developed by the T.R. Ministry of Health, allows mothers to easily track their vaccination schedule and baby's development thanks to e-Nabız integration. Additionally, families can reach expert midwives via video calls through platforms like 'Ebebul' and quickly receive the support they need. Thanks to remote monitoring systems, midwives can digitally monitor mothers' basic health data such as blood pressure and pulse. This enables early detection of potential risks and timely intervention."

"Strong midwifery means a healthy society"

Emphasizing that strengthening midwifery services directly affects not only birth processes but also public health, Assoc. Prof. Ayça Demir Yıldırım concluded her words as follows:

"Midwives having a more active and stronger role in the healthcare system significantly contributes to both reducing C-section rates and protecting maternal and infant health. Strengthening midwifery services is one of the most important steps to be taken for a healthier society."