MATERNITY themed cupcakes will be on the menu on Monday when Morecambe Bay hospitals celebrate International Day of the Midwife.

A day of events is planned at Kendal, Lancaster and Furness hospitals, run by University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Trust (UHMBT), when catering teams will also be delivering cakes to maternity and labour wards at the three sites.

“Midwives play a crucial role in maternal and child health and the International Day of the Midwife is an ideal opportunity for our midwives to widen their knowledge of the discipline, as well as spreading the word about the profession and telling people a little bit more about their roles in the community,” said Sue Smith, Executive Chief Nurse at the trust.

“The education, experience and expertise of midwives is essential to tackling issues in maternal and newborn child health.”

Display tables will be placed in the main receptions at Furness General Hospital, Westmorland General Hospital and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary with information about the midwifery service, while staff will be on hand to answer questions.

The day is promoted by the International Confederation of Midwives and is held every year on May 5 across the world.

Women who have recently given birth at the Trust are also calling for more recognition of the important roles of midwives.

“At both Kendal and Lancaster, we felt the standard of care was exceptionally high,” said Claire and Geoff Clarke from Kendal, whose daughter, Elise, was born at Helme Chase, at Westmorland General, on April 18.

The family were then transferred to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.

“All the staff supported us brilliantly. In particular, the midwives’ friendliness, professionalism and positive attitude were a great source of assurance to us.”

Vicki Radeva, from Bowness, gave birth to son, David, April 29 at Helme Chase.

She said: “The whole experience has been excellent. I can’t say thank you enough to the midwives involved who were all amazing and very supportive, helpful, kind and caring.”