Midwife

Fieldset

Midwife

No matter what the context - whether working in natural disasters, conflicts or poverty-affected communities - babies will continue to be born and midwives will always be needed.

Their expertise, however, extends beyond the delivery room – they also train local birth attendants, run awareness programs, and care for survivors of sexual violence.

Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) midwives ensure mums the world over get the care they need.

Read the blog posts below to find out more about life as an MSF midwife, or click here to find out more about applying to join the team.

Tamara Molina Montalvo

Midwife

“We had no idea what was coming”: My time on a maternity ward in Yemen

After an intense assignment on a maternity ward in Yemen, MSF midwife Tamara reflects on the meaningful and sometimes complex moments faced by the team at Abs Hospital

22 Mar 2021 / 6 minute read

Tamara Molina Montalvo

Midwife

"It's like working with your eyes closed": Delivering babies in Yemen's civil war

Years of brutal civil war have pushed Yemen's healthcare system to collapse. From a maternity ward in the battle-scarred city of Abs, MSF midwife Tamara takes us through the challenges of welcoming new life into this unstable world.

08 Feb 2021 / 4 minute read

Zahra Koochizad

Midwife

Afghanistan: “As midwives, we are the silent leaders of our country”

Midwife Zahra Koochizad shares her story in the aftermath of a brutal attack on an MSF maternity ward

18 Jun 2020 / 8 minute read

Aisha Akello

Midwife

MSF saved my brother – Now I work around the world to help others

As a child living in a displacement camp in Uganda, Aisha Akello first found MSF when her brother needed urgent treatment. More than thirty years later and now working as an MSF midwife, she shares her inspiring story...

12 May 2020 / 4 minute read

Kirsti Rinne

Midwife

COVID-19: Finding my focus for the pandemic

As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, a message reaches Kirsti, a US midwife working in Cameroon, that all citizens much return home. In this deeply personal blog, she shares her concerns about leaving, and how the community will prepare for the impact of the pandemic.

07 May 2020 / 4 minute read

Kirsti Rinne

Midwife

Surprise twins: How working for MSF makes me feel connected to humanity

After a non-stop night on a maternity ward in Cameroon, US midwife Kirsti reflects on the unique moments she shares with her patients

24 Apr 2020 / 7 minute read

Kirsti Rinne

Midwife

“Some things are not OK”: Struggle and strength on a maternity ward

When the odds of survival are against two premature baby girls born in Cameroon, US midwife Kirsti finds that amidst suffering and loss there is still hope

23 Apr 2020 / 6 minute read

Claire Harper

Midwife

The difference between life and death: A dramatic delivery in DRC

At Walikale hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, midwife Claire and her team need to make some quick decisions to save a tiny life...

21 Oct 2019 / 5 minute read

Kristine and Mary greet each other for a follow-up appointment

Kristine Lauria

Midwife

Mary unchained

In a place where mental illness is poorly understood, midwife Kristine meets a new mum in need of psychiatric support and human connection

15 Aug 2019 / 9 minute read

Claire Harper

Midwife

“I am proud to offer these services”: How we’re improving women’s healthcare in DRC

The team in Walikale, DRC have seen first-hand the devastating impact sexual violence and unsafe abortion can have on their patients. Together they're ensuring that the services MSF offers can help. Midwife Claire blogs...

10 Jun 2019 / 8 minute read