the symposium for all midwives and associated professionals
Sensitive Midwifery Symposium is one of the largest and most prestigious midwifery and perinatal conferences in Africa, initiated in 1996 by the Sister Lilian Centre, which specialises in midwifery, pregnancy, birth and parenting education and advice.
Sensitive Midwifery Symposium aims to make a positive difference to midwifery and maternity and child care while celebrating the professions involved. It offers you a unique and innovative blend of expertise updates, advocacy of sensitive care, challenging harmful practices, exposure to relevant complementary health fields, encouragement of professional morale, and professional inspiration.
Each year, the Sensitive Midwifery Symposium has a unique flavor with its own theme which become part of our slogans we live by, such as ‘Lead where you are’, ‘Midwifery Movement Matters’, ‘Better Together’ and ‘Empowered Through Knowledge’.
We are thrilled to announce the theme for 2025:
Beyond the Basics
It is our time to rise and go beyond the norm to deliver the best.
venue & accommodation
The in-person event will be held at:
The Old Biscuit Mill Conference Centre
375 Albert Road, Woodstock, Cape Town
There are lovely hotels in and near Woodstock or if you want something more budget, have a look on AirBnB or Lekker Slaap.
If you prefer to book into a hotel, here are some great options for you:
Protea Hotel Mowbray – 021 442 5300
DoubleTree by Hilton – 021 404 0570
If you cannot make it to the in-person event, you can still join us by attending the VIRTUAL Symposium! Make sure to select the “Virtual Online Event” option when purchasing your ticket.
additional half-day workshop
We will be hosting an additional half-day workshop on Friday, 9th May 2025 from 8:30am to 12:30pm at The Old Biscuit Mill.
The topics for the workshop will include Water Birth and Labour & Birth Positions.
To save your spot at the workshop, make sure to select “Yes! I would like to attend” on the registration form when booking your Symposium ticket!
For more information, send an email to gillian@sensitivemidwifery.co.za
See what delegates have to say about the Symposium
“Sensitive Midwifery Symposium should be part of our midwifery, gynaecology and obstetric training programs. You will be transformed by the information you get from these 2 days. It’s truly an investment that will benefit you long after the time of the event. Empower yourself now for the long term benefit of yourself and your clients. The last 2 years of my attending means I know not to miss the next one. We rise to our challenges together.”
– Janay Alexander-Gilchrist, Birth Preparation Practitioner, General Manager Kids & Baby at Curaden South Africa
“The Sensitive Midwifery Symposium on Empowered Through Knowledge was an enlightening and impactful event for me as a young midwife. It offered a wealth of information, showcasing the latest in midwifery practices, research, and advocacy. The speakers were highly knowledgeable, and their discussions were particularly inspiring. Overall, it was an excellent opportunity for professional development, fostering both personal and collective growth in the field especially for a young midwife like myself.”
– Princess Mhlanga, Midwife
“I love to hear about research and developments happening within Midwifery, and the symposium is the best place for that. You always have such interesting speakers and where else can a midwife hear directly from SANC and government? I love talking to my fellow midwives and sometimes I get to reignite their original passion for childbirth all over again. We work so hard to serve women and their families and once a year we have the opportunity to come together to appreciate each other.”
– Sharon Marsay, Independent Midwife in Gauteng
“Attending the Sensitive Midwifery Symposium 2024 was an enlightening and deeply inspiring experience. The theme, “Empowered Through Knowledge,” resonated throughout the event, reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning, mentorship, and advocacy in midwifery.
One of the most striking moments was witnessing how midwives from different backgrounds came together to share their challenges, triumphs, and solutions. It reminded me that midwifery is more than just a profession, it is a calling to serve, nurture, and uplift women during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Perhaps the most profound takeaway was the emphasis on self-care and mental well-being. Midwifery is rewarding but also emotionally demanding. The symposium reminded me that caring for myself is just as important as caring for my patients, because a well-supported midwife is an effective midwife.
Leaving the symposium, I felt recharged, empowered, and more determined than ever to use my knowledge, skills, and passion to make a lasting impact on maternal and newborn health. I left with a renewed commitment to mentorship and education, knowing that the knowledge I pass on will shape the future of maternal health. I also left with the intention to make a change where I live through imparting midwifery knowledge and even if it’s 1% a year it will make a great difference in the years to come.”
– Nosipo Maseti, Midwife from Mtata
sensitive midwifery accreditation
Sensitive Midwifery is a recognised educational brand in South Africa’s midwifery and nursing industry, considered by many to be one of the ‘big influencers’ of midwives and mothers. Sensitive Midwifery Academy is in the process of seeking accreditation as a CPD provider and has an internal CPD accreditation system, pending the formal points system in South Africa. Symposium presentation notes are included for each delegate, and certificates of attendance are granted to delegates who attend the full proceedings. Certain presentations will be available as podcasts or on video.