January 20 is Traditional Midwifery Day
January 20 is Traditional Midwifery Day in Brazil, a date dedicated to recognizing and valuing the work of traditional midwives, who play a fundamental role in the care of pregnant women and childbirth in rural, indigenous and riverside communities.
Traditional midwives are central figures in many regions of the country, especially in hard-to-reach places where formal medical services may be limited. They preserve ancestral knowledge about birth, combining natural practices and folk wisdom with humanized care for mothers and babies.
Established to give visibility to these professionals and their contribution to public health, the date also reinforces the importance of supporting and empowering midwives, integrating their practices into the health system in a respectful and collaborative way. According to data from the Ministry of Health, it is estimated that thousands of births in Brazil are performed annually by traditional midwives, highlighting their impact on assisting communities.
Celebrates the dedication and knowledge of these women who, for generations, have helped bring new lives into the world, preserving cultures and promoting more humane and inclusive care.
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