“The trust and continuity of care we offer are crucial for a positive birthing experience”- Jismy George.
Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its rich literary and cultural heritage. One of its deeply rooted traditions is the practice of natural birthing, where midwives, known locally as “Vayyatatti,” have long played a vital role in supporting expectant mothers. Embracing this cherished tradition is Jismy George, a highly skilled midwife from Kerala, who now brings her expertise and passion to Fernandez Foundation.
For Jismy, the heart of midwifery lies in the philosophy of “Positive Birthing.” This powerful concept, she shares, ignited her desire to pursue a career in midwifery. Starting as an intern nurse, Jismy later transitioned to trainee midwife, joining the inaugural batch of the NPME training programme at Fernandez Hospital in 2011.
“Every mother’s pregnancy journey is unique,” Jismy emphasises. “It’s essential to tailor care to meet each individual’s needs, ensuring their birthing experience is both positive and memorable. Achieving that involves truly understanding their preferences and ensuring continuity of care throughout.”
A positive birth experience is built on the foundations of respect and dignity for every mother. At Fernandez, Respectful Maternity Care (RMC) is a cornerstone, ensuring that all mothers experience privacy, empathy, and the respect they deserve.
Reflecting on her training experience at a public hospital, Jismy recalls the stark contrast in the care offered there compared to the respectful practices she now advocates. “It was heartbreaking to see mothers in distress, lacking adequate support and privacy,” she remembers. During her time there, she often took the initiative to care for the labouring mothers, sharing her knowledge with the medical staff and championing the need for more respectful maternity care. This challenging experience fuelled her commitment to improving birthing practices—advocating for lower episiotomy rates and promoting vital interventions like skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping.
The impact of her midwifery model of care didn’t go unnoticed. The hospital’s doctors and nurses were impressed by the shift away from conventional methods, and they eagerly incorporated these practices into prenatal care and childbirth. The results were overwhelmingly positive, leading to better outcomes for both mothers and babies. Jismy’s introduction of these concepts created a wave of enthusiasm, with expectant mothers eagerly awaiting her guidance.
Jismy’s dedication to midwifery is deeply rooted in her belief in Respectful Maternity Care, a principle that lies at the heart of the Fernandez Foundation. “I chose midwifery because it allows me to support mothers who wish to experience the beauty of a natural birth,” she explains. Today, as a senior midwife, she shares her extensive knowledge with trainees and colleagues, highlighting the critical need for more midwives to provide compassionate, expert care to every expectant mother.
At Fernandez, Jismy leads antenatal clinics in the Midwifery-Led Unit, supporting countless mothers on their journey toward natural births. “The trust we build and the continuity of care we offer are key to creating a truly positive birthing experience,” she affirms. Her work exemplifies the true essence of midwifery—offering personalised, respectful care that empowers mothers and nurtures the miracle of childbirth.
