This year has been one of meaningful progress for the All-Ireland Midwifery Network (AIMN) marked by impactful events, a growing community, and exciting steps forward in leadership and research. As we reflect on the past year at the All-Ireland Midwifery Network (AIMN), one word stands out: gratitude. Gratitude for our members, our speakers, our leaders, and our growing community of midwives, students, researchers, and maternity care professionals who continue to shape and strengthen this network.
A Growing Network
Our community continues to thrive. This year, AIMN welcomed over 120 new members, reflecting a shared appetite for connection, collaboration, and continuous professional development. Alongside this, our social media following has expanded, allowing AIMN research spotlights, knowledge-sharing posts, and seminar highlights helping us extend our reach, amplifying midwifery voices, and connecting with colleagues across Ireland and beyond.
Every new follower, comment, share, and sign-up strengthens our collective voice. Click here to follow us on our socials
Research on the Global Stage
We are proud to have been invited to discuss our ongoing research, “Proud to Be a Midwife,” at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Conference next year 2026, an important recognition of the work and voices within our community.
One of our proudest achievements this year has been receiving an invitation to present AIMN’s ongoing research, Proud to Be a Midwife, at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Conference next year. This recognition reflects the importance of midwives’ voices, professional identity, and research-informed advocacy on a global stage. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited to represent our community internationally.
Learning Together Through Seminars
We successfully hosted three engaging seminars, creating space for learning, reflection, and collaboration. Topics ranged from reshaping birth: the evidence and practice of facilitating birth with the peanut ball to evidence-based midwifery care for women and their families who experience pregnancy and baby loss to strengthening collaborative working relationships between midwives and doulas. Each session brought together expert speakers and an engaged audience committed to compassionate, evidence-informed care.
The feedback has been powerful, affirming that accessible, well-timed, relevant education truly supports midwives in their everyday work.
Leadership: Honouring Foundations, Embracing Change
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Maria Healy and Prof Patricia Leahy-Warren, our founding Co-Chairs, whose vision, dedication, and leadership laid the foundation for everything AIMN has become. Their commitment to collaboration, evidence, and midwifery values has shaped this network from the very beginning.
We are equally delighted to welcome Dr Ciara Close and Dr Julika Hudson as our newly appointed Co-Chairs. Their passion, insight, and leadership signal an exciting new chapter for AIMN, one rooted in continuity, innovation, and collective strength, bringing fresh energy while continuing AIMN’s strong values and vision.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the year ahead, AIMN remains committed to:
- Sharing accessible, relevant midwifery research
- Supporting professional growth and wellbeing via Seminar
- Creating space for dialogue, learning, and lived experience from seminar live Q&A
- Amplifying the voices of midwives and maternity care professionals.
Join Us
If you’ve been reading, watching, or learning alongside us, now is the perfect time to get involved.
Follow AIMN on social media for research spotlights, events, and updates.
Join the All-Ireland Midwifery Network to access seminars, resources, and a supportive professional community.
Share AIMN with colleagues and students who value evidence-based, compassionate maternity care
Together, we are shaping the future of midwifery one conversation, one seminar, and one connection at a time.
Thank you for being part of the AIMN journey.
Thank You & Stay Connected
Thank you to our members, speakers, and supporters for being part of this journey. We invite you to follow AIMN, become a member, and share our work as we continue to shape the future of midwifery together.
Together, we learn. Together, we build a community of practice.