PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - Deti Hendarti, Head of the Delivery Room at Bandung Kiwari Regional Hospital, shared her 23 years of service ahead of National Midwives Day to inspire maternal services.

The motivation to become a midwife emerged from childhood after seeing the neighborhood midwife serving the integrated health post (posyandu) with full concern for the local community.

Deti studied at the Bandung Ministry of Health Polytechnic in 1999 and started working at the hospital in 2003.

The hospital where he worked developed from KAI Hospital to the current Bandung Kiwari Regional General Hospital.

Deti explained that midwives accompany women from infancy to menopause, including pregnancy, childbirth and family planning.

Apart from medical services, midwives are often a place for patients to share their concerns regarding family, economics and mental health.

Bandung Kiwari Regional General Hospital accepts referral patients with complications from childbirth from local health centers and other health facilities.

Deti said the challenges for midwives in remote areas were still tough, including access to transportation and family rejection.

Maternal audits show that lack of husband's support is a risk factor for maternal death in many cases.

Deti invites her husband to care more about pregnant women through full support during the family's pregnancy period.

"Love your wife with all your heart, especially during pregnancy. Help her with her work, pay attention to her nutritional needs, accompany her during prenatal checkups, and provide reassurance, as a mother's psychological state greatly influences the baby's health," he advised.

According to him, stunting prevention begins during pregnancy through routine, integrated attention to maternal nutrition and health.

Deti reminded mothers to carry out routine pregnancy checks at health facilities for early risk detection.

Deti advised midwifery students to master medical science while also building empathy and good communication skills.

Midwives throughout Indonesia are invited to strengthen collaboration to ensure the safety of mothers and babies together.

Director of Bandung Kiwari Regional Hospital, Arief Budiman, appreciated the dedication of midwives in national maternal and child health services.

"Behind every baby's first cry lies the sincere hands of a midwife, working with patience, sincerity, and dedication. Midwives not only provide healthcare but also bring a sense of security, hope, and happiness to every family," said Arief.

The momentum of National Midwives Day is a reminder of the important role of midwives in the development of national health in general.

"Thank you to all midwives for your dedication and devotion to maintaining the health of mothers and children and overseeing the birth of the nation's next generation. Happy National Midwives Day. Continue to be a light for every new life born in this country," she concluded.

(Bandung City Communications and Information Service/bhf)