Articles
Definition of the midwife
A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational programme, duly recognized 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 practice midwifery.
The midwife is recognized 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 post 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 the mother and child, the accessing of medical care or other appropriate assistance and the carrying out of emergency procedures.
The midwife has an important task in health counseling and education, not only for the woman, but also within the family and the community. This work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and may extend to women’s health, sexual or reproductive and child care.
A midwife may practice 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