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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.





Giving Birth NaturallyVaginal Birth: Role of a Midwife

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Disclaimer:  All information is provided for informational purposes only, although every effort is made to provide accurate and current information.  Unless otherwise noted, the site content & all online childbirth classes are not written by doctors or other health care professionals and is not intended to be or to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always seek the advice of a physician, nurse, midwife or other health care professional regarding your individual medical questions and any particular medical treatment.

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