Midwifery through the eyes of 2 generations: perspectives from Hungary

"There's nothing more special than placing the newborn on the mother's chest when they first meet. In that moment, when we cut the umbilical cord, the miracle between the mother and the child begins, connecting them for the rest of their lives," reflects Anna, a midwife for over 40 years.

For this International Day of the Midwife, marked on 5 May, we spoke to 2 women in Budapest, Hungary, about their interest in midwifery, what motivates them and the challenges they face. While Anna may be coming to the end of her career, Sara is only just setting out on hers.

Anna's perspective

Anna Tóth, aged 62, is a midwife at the Semmelweis University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Budapest, Hungary. She has been working as a midwife since 1982, and over the course of those 4 decades she has assisted in the delivery of over 10 000 babies.

It is perhaps a surprise, then, to hear that Anna's journey into midwifery was not an obvious choice, but one prompted by a chance encounter with an obstetrics textbook.

"The book was as thrilling to me as a detective novel; I couldn't put it down, and from that moment on, I was committed! The physiological aspect of childbirth, the process itself, it all completely captivated me."

In Hungary, midwives support mothers before and during childbirth, while district nurses provide services to women and their children once they have been discharged.

"My role involves preparing women to give birth," says Anna. "This includes talking them through all the different options, trying out the most comfortable positions, as well as teaching breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. Of course, I'm then on hand to help with the delivery itself, dealing with any complications, ensuring that the baby breathes normally when born, and monitoring the health of both mother and child."

Given her vast knowledge and experience, Anna is also involved in educating future generations of midwives and medical students. She demonstrates techniques and points out the signs to look for to make sure the birth goes to plan and that mothers and babies thrive post-birth.

"It became clear to me that I don't just want to work in the delivery room, I also want to teach and pass on my 40 years of knowledge," she explains.

To this end, she represents the interests of midwives through a variety of professional organizations, such as the Hungarian Chamber of Health Care Professionals and the Hungarian Nursing Association, influencing health policies and contributing to raising standards of midwifery care in Hungary.

Sara's perspective

Sara Szloboda, aged 20, is a nursing student at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Pécs, Hungary. For years, she has harboured the desire to work with young children and is considering a career as a midwife once she has graduated.

"What can be more beautiful than helping to bring a new life into the world?" she says. "I find it amazing how midwives provide mothers with a sense of security, being there for them throughout pregnancy and childbirth."

To be a good midwife, Sara believes you need to have the right mindset and temperament. "You choose this vocation because you want to help, because you care. Remaining calm, precise and professional throughout is also vital. And kindness, too - a reassuring smile always goes a long way!"

Sara adds, "When I've been part of practical sessions with patients, including mothers and newborns, I simply relish being there to do my best and learn, and to contribute to something positive."

Midwifery adapting and evolving

In the 40 years that separate Anna and Sara, Anna has seen many positive changes in professional attitudes towards childbirth and birthing practices. For instance, when she began working in the 1980s, there was less support for women in labour, and fathers were not as involved in childbirth as they are today. Also, it was common then for a mother-to-be to give birth in one position: lying on her back.

"Today, we are much more aware of the need to establish the emotional link between mother and baby, and we actively promote physical contact, which wasn't the case before," says Anna. "We have also realized the value of breastfeeding for healthy development."

Anna stresses the many positive changes in breastfeeding promotion. She remembers how it used to be a common practice to disinfect a mother's breasts every 2-3 hours, which led to many newborns being reluctant to breastfeed. Today, things look radically better.

"We are constantly learning. Although it can sometimes be hard to rewire our brains, I'm happy to be part of creating positive change for better health for mothers and babies," she adds.

Although being a midwife has been challenging at times, it is clear to Anna why she has stayed in the job for so long. "Cradling a newborn baby in your arms is the best thing ever. You can't help but smile at the miracle of life."

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.