Squeals and burbles from happy toddlers and babies in the Octagon sent a clear message to all, Otago midwives said yesterday.
More than 100 parents, their children and a large group of Otago midwives gathered in the Octagon at noon to show support for the profession after recently released research was critical of midwifery.
Event organiser and community midwife for 17 years Maureen Donnelly said the gathering was a public display of reinforcement from the people that Otago midwives looked after.
It showed they were happy with the care they had received from Otago midwives and they were concerned about the negative attention being directed at the profession, she said.
''We're much maligned, really. We do so much behind the scenes that people are so unaware of.
''Our mothers and their families know what we do. I guess anyone who hasn't had midwifery care in recent years wouldn't understand, because it is a big change from the past.
''I know that the care we give under this system is fantastic - it's beyond world quality.
''We know we do a good job.''
New research by the University of Otago showed babies born under midwife-led care suffered more incidents of damage than those whose mothers were looked after by doctors.
The study was criticised by the College of Midwives, which said obstetricians were often not available when needed.
The college also said the study showed the inequality between private and public care and was not a reflection on midwives.
