What is a Midwife?

A midwife is a registered maternity health professional who specialises in normal pregnancy and birth. Midwives are qualified to care for the majority of women throughout their pregnancy, labour and birth and postpartum period up to six weeks after birth.

The World Health Organization states, “the midwife is the most appropriate and cost effective type of health care provider to be assigned to the care of normal pregnancy and normal birth, including risk assessment and the recognition of complications” (WHO 1996).

A midwife supports the physiological and emotional childbirth process. The midwife is qualified to identify complications in mother and baby and will always refer to appropriate medical assistance if required.

The term “known midwife” refers to one (sometimes a team of two) midwife who provides prenatal care and education, attends the birth, and provides follow-up care. This continuity of care greatly increases the woman’s chances of a safe, natural birth, through familiarity, trust and shared expectations.

Your midwife will support you through the entire birth process, and help you deliver your baby.

Have you booked your midwife?