The word 'midwife' is from Anglo-Saxon words; mid = with, wif = woman. In English 'midwife' means someone who provides continuity of care to a woman and her baby from pregnancy through the postpartum period. In French a midwife is called 'sage-femme' , a wise woman providing this continuity of care.

International Definition of a Midwife

Qualifications

A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational programme, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practise midwifery.

Types of Care

The midwife is recognised as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women

The midwife is recognised as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support,care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct births on the midwife's own responsibility and to provide care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventative measures, the promotion of normal birth, the detection of complications in mother and child, the accessing of medical care or other appropriate assistance, and the carrying out of emergency measures. The midwife has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman, but also within the family and the community. The work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and may extend to women's health, sexual or reproductive health and child care.

Locations for Practise

A midwife may practise in any setting including the home, community, hospitals, clinics, or health units.

(Adopted by the International Confederation of Midwives Council meeting, 19th July, 2005, Brisbane, Australia. Supersedes the ICM "Definition of the Midwife" 1972 and its amendments of 1990).