International Day of the Midwife 2026 – a blog by Liberty Wilkinson, Research Midwife

To celebrate International Day of the Midwife (IDM) 2026, Research Midwife, Liberty Wilkinson shares her midwifery research journey, including her involvement in the Generation Study, and reflects on why she is proud to contribute to research that aims to make pregnancy and birth safer.

As we celebrate IDM 2026, I find myself reflecting on my journey as a midwife over the past four years. Working across Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), I divide my time between the Maternity Research Team and the clinical setting. I qualified from the University of East Anglia (UEA) in 2022 and moved to Manchester shortly afterwards. My experience at Saint Mary’s Hospital at the Oxford Road Campus, provided a strong foundation in complex maternity care within a diverse and ever-evolving community. It is a privilege to work alongside colleagues within the multidisciplinary team and to learn from experts across a range of specialties.

After completing my preceptorship and progressing to a Band 6 role, I was eager to explore further opportunities for career development. In 2025, I secured a position within the Maternity Research Team. Having already discovered a passion for research alongside my clinical work, I feel incredibly fortunate to now combine both aspects in my role.

My journey into research

Throughout my education, from school through to university, I have always been fascinated by the science behind why things happen. During my undergraduate degree, this curiosity developed into a growing interest in research. While studying at UEA, I was fortunate to be supported by midwifery lecturers who encouraged this interest.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, I became increasingly aware of the global and national conversations surrounding racism, particularly following the death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. This prompted me to reflect critically on my own midwifery education and question whether student midwives were being adequately prepared to deliver equitable, culturally safe care.

After discussing these concerns with a lecturer, I was encouraged to explore them through research – asking what the data revealed about the experiences of student midwives. This marked my first meaningful step into the world of research.

In the years that followed, I led a research project titled ‘Student midwives’ understanding of anti-racist behaviours and cultural competency’, with the resulting article published in the British Journal of Midwifery in October 2025. This experience provided valuable insight into all aspects of the research process, from study design and data collection to analysis and dissemination. It was through this work that my passion for midwifery research truly developed, and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue as a qualified midwife.

My research role

In my current role as a Research Midwife, I have had the opportunity to contribute to a number of studies, including The Generation Study, Sonobreech, iHOLDS, and PROTECT.

Taking the lead in late 2025 on delivering iHOLDS (investigating the best dose of a medicine oxytocin used by women who are having their labour induced) at Wythenshawe Hospital was particularly rewarding. As the first clinical trial of an investigational medicinal product (CTIMP) to be conducted on the labour ward, it brought both challenges and a strong sense of achievement.

The study that stands out most to me is The Generation Study, which aims to improve the screening and diagnosis of genetic conditions in newborns. This involves collecting a cord blood sample to test for over 200 genetic conditions – each of which presents in early childhood and has an established treatment pathway within the NHS. Led by Genomics England, the study aims to recruit 100,000 participants, making it a truly significant national initiative.

Working on The Generation Study at Wythenshawe Hospital has been particularly fulfilling. It is encouraging to offer research opportunities to our birthing community and to see such strong engagement. Recruitment has consistently exceeded targets, supported by the dedication of clinical staff in collecting cord blood samples. Nationally, several participating families have already received early diagnoses for genetic conditions, enabling earlier access to treatment than previously possible. Seeing the tangible impact of this work reinforces the importance of ensuring equitable access to research for all.

International Day of the Midwife

International Day of the Midwife 2026 calls attention to the need for “One Million More Midwives” worldwide, reflecting global research that highlights the scale of workforce challenges. This is a powerful example of how research can drive improvements in care provision and inform policy on an international level.

Providing evidence-based care is fundamental to high-quality midwifery practice, and being involved in generating that evidence strengthens my clinical work. In the fast-paced environment of a busy ward, it can be easy to overlook the research that underpins our daily practice. I feel incredibly fortunate to work as a Research Midwife, gaining a broader perspective on midwifery and contributing to meaningful improvements in care for women and babies.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue championing research within the clinical setting and to play a role in improving outcomes for all those who access our services.