Movie honours natural tradition of ‘baby-catchers’

UNTIL recent times in Ireland, it was the community midwives who were entrusted as the ‘baby-catchers’, their hands welcoming almost everyone into the world.
A new film about the transition of midwifery in Ireland will be shown in Ennis this Friday as a fundraiser for the Community Midwives Association and Clare Birth Choice.
The screening of Natural Traditions, will take place in Glór on Friday at 7.30pm. The film charts the changing role of the midwife in Ireland from independent community-based midwives in the early years of the state to hospital based from 1950s onwards.
“It is full of incredible birth stories and insights from mothers, midwives and academics. At present, Ireland has 17 community midwives who offer women the choice of a home birth. The community midwife provides ongoing continuous support for women during pregnancy that engenders confidence and this confidence helps when it is time to give birth,” said Martina Hynan of Clare Birth Choice.
Funds raised from ticket sales will go to the Community Midwives Association and Clare Birth Choice. After the screening on Friday, there will be an opportunity to pool ideas and share experiences.
For more information on the event contact Armella Karas Doyle at armellakd@gmail.com.