DEFINITION OF THE MIDWIFE

A midwife is...



…a health professional who, in partnership with a woman, provides specialist care, education and support during pregnancy, birth, postnatal and the early parenting period.

Midwives believe that pregnancy and childbirth are normal and significant life events for women and their families and respect and support this transition.

Midwives work in many settings including hospitals, birth centres and the community. Midwifery care includes the detection of complications in mother and baby, the referral to other specialists as needed, and the initiation of necessary emergency care. Midwives also have an important role in health counselling and the provision of information to women, their families and the community.

Registration as a midwife is dependant upon successful completion of a recognised midwifery education program and, continuing demonstration of the necessary knowledge, skill and experience to provide safe and professional midwifery care.




Jointly developed by the International Confederation of Midwives
and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
Adopted by the International Confederation of Midwives Council 1972.
Adopted by the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 1973.
Later adopted by the World Health Organization.
Amended by the International Confederation of Midwives Council, Kobe October 1990.
Amendment ratified by the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 1991
and the World Health Organization 1992.