Future of obstetrics: 100 midwives discuss in Halle!

Future of obstetrics: 100 midwives discuss in Halle!

On November 10, 2025, the 3rd midwife colloquium took place at the St. Elisabeth and St. Barbara Hospital in Halle (Saale). The event attracted a lot of interest; a total of around 100 midwives from seven federal states and Austria gathered. The aim of the event was to discuss and shed light on current challenges and the future of obstetrics. “Wherever we accept the challenges of our time with reason and heart, we will find the necessary strength,” was the motto of the colloquium, which was opened by nursing director Kathleen Wüste-Gottschalk, senior midwife Kathrin Eichhorn and deputy team leader Isabel Fischer.

Saxony's Health State Secretary Wolfgang Beck emphasized the indispensable role of midwives and reiterated the state's support. The state recently decided to fund five midwife-led delivery rooms by the end of 2026, which are to be integrated into standard care. This shows how important the concerns of midwives are anchored in the political agenda and that birth support is tailored to the needs of modern society.

Exchange about diversity and cultural diversity

The colloquium program offered an exciting range of topics, ranging from diversity in obstetrics to cultural diversity. The network “JuWeHen – Young & Expectant Midwives in the DHV” paid particular attention to the cultural aspects and challenges of birth support. Midwives reported on their experiences from countries such as Kenya, Belgium, Finland, Mexico, France and Iran, making the event an intercultural exchange.

Another central point of the discussion was the midwives' self-care and the creation of a relaxed atmosphere during birth. These aspects are crucial to take into account the needs of both the expectant mothers and those of the midwives themselves and to ensure a positive birth experience.

Strengthening networking

The clinic has clearly positioned itself as a source of inspiration and networking partner for midwives beyond Saxony-Anhalt. Kathrin Eichhorn said that the high number of participants in the colloquium shows the need for networked exchange and underlines the relevance of such platforms. The meeting is not only an opportunity to exchange knowledge, but also an opportunity to provide new impetus for the future of obstetrics.

Such initiatives are important in order to continue to shape the future of midwifery positively. Given the tense situations in many healthcare systems, the exchange between specialists is becoming increasingly crucial. How the healthcare system will develop in the future is still unclear, but it is clear that midwives will play a key role here.

For more information about the midwife colloquium and current developments in obstetrics, visit the website St. Elisabeth and St. Barbara Hospital.