Professor Cecily Begley opened the second day of the Nordic Midwifery Congress with a challenging speech, asking the midwives in the audience what they will be criticized for when women and health professionals look back at them in 30 years time. Yet, Begley shared heartwarming research results showing the importance of evidence-based, natural, midwifery care during childbirth.

Begley mentioned that medicalization in childbirth is a growing problem everywhere, and although the Nordic countries have lower levels of C-sections and instrumental vaginal deliveries, there is still a rising trend, which needs to be halted. She inspired the sea of midwives from Nordic countries and beyond to use the latest research in their work and to share it with their colleagues. She also mentioned the importance of informing and educating women, so that we, together, can improve childbirth practices for all women in our communities.

I had the privilege to speak with Cecily Begley after her keynote address. After our interview she also asked me about my birth story and left me encouraged and told me that if I ever have the opportunity to give birth again, I will have a natural and strong experience. Her passion for childbirth is palpable and her leadership encourages midwives and women to team up and be powerful agents of change. Listen to her explanation of why overmedicalization is a problem and what she believes needs to be done to combat it.

Girls’ Globe is at the NJF Congress in Gothenburg, Sweden. Follow the conversations here on girlsglobe.org and through the hashtag #midwives4all on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more through the following links: