The Role of a Midwife

What is the role of a midwife? This is a common question of pregnant women in the US.

While midwives represent the minority of birth attendants for childbearing women in the US, they are present at approximately 75% of births in the UK.

The midwife's role is a complex thing. Here is a sample of her contributions to your maternal care and birth experience:

• understands and facilitates normal childbearing 
• spreads health and well-being to women and their families
• supports, facilitates and implements the woman's choice
• comprehends the range of normal maternal, fetal and neonatal well-being 
• does not implement interventions not based on sound evidence
• can critically evaluate the evidence-base for midwifery knowledge and practice 
• diagnoses factors that may adversely affect maternal or fetal well-being and locates appropriate assistance or intervention while providing continued family support 
• manages skilled emergency interventions 
• assists during bereavement
• is a resource to women and their communities

The midwife is to help you make critical decisions about appropriate care in pregnancy, labor and after the birth. It is a skilled profession that provides continuous care over several months. You and your midwife may develop a more effective relationship than would otherwise be possible with a traditional physician for maternal care. I highly recommend you consider this option when interviewing potential caregivers.