The Obstetric and Child Health Services Department at the Victoria Hospital recognized the efforts of their nursing colleagues on International Midwife's Day observed annually on May 5.

The theme for this year's observance is "Women and Newborns: The Heart of Midwifery."

For three decades now men in the UK have dominated the field, however, midwifery in Saint Lucia has been completely female dominated.

"I think it may be cultural," Susana Lane, Departmental Sister at the Obstetrics Department said. "We have male obstetricians and male doctors but midwifery has been a female dominated aspect of nursing. It has not been an option for men. It may take a group to work towards changing that mindset, and of course, it will take allot of public education to encourage women to accept men as midwives."

Yasmine Lucien, a registered nurse and midwife at the Victoria Hospital said that while being a midwife is a blessing, the job comes with its own challenges.

"One challenge is that midwives are not recognized as we ought to be, but we come together and make it work because we have a passion to keep mothers and their babies healthy."

Tokens of appreciation were presented to the midwives at the Victoria Hospital for their dedication over the year.

As Victoria Hospital prepares to transition to the Owen King EU Hospital later this year, the obstetrics unit will benefit from a more spacious and comfortable environment within the modern, state of the art facility.