A midwife is a medical professional—but not a doctor (physician)—who gives support, care and advice to women during their pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period (at least the first six weeks after childbirth). In some countries, midwifery is a branch of nursing; in others, it is considered an entirely separate profession. Most midwives are women, but a very small percentage are men. A midwife also provides health counselling and education, not only for the woman, but also for the family and the community.

A midwife's role

During pregnancy, the midwife monitors the baby's health, growth and position. When labour begins, she offers the mother pain relief, encouragement and emotional support, while monitoring the baby’s heartbeat and other signs. The midwife assists with the birth of the baby. In high-risk situations such as a breech birth (when a baby is born bottom first instead of head first) or if there are complications, she will call in an obstetrician, a doctor who specializes in pregnancy and childbirth.

​​​​​​​The midwife provides care for mother and baby immediately after the birth, checking, for example, whether the woman needs stitches. She checks the baby for any obvious problems, then weighs it and measures its head circumference. She also ensures the umbilical cord has been clamped securely. Later, she helps the mother with breastfeeding, advises how to care for the baby and carries out some routine tests.