midwife [AS, midd + wif] , 1. (in traditional use) a (female) person who assists women in childbirth. Also called obstetrix. 2. (according to the International Confederation of Midwives, World Health Organization, and Federation of International Gynecologists and Obstetricians) “a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program fully 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.” Among the responsibilities of the midwife are supervision of pregnancy, labor, delivery, and puerperium. The midwife conducts the delivery independently, cares for the newborn, procures medical assistance when necessary, executes emergency measures as required, and may practice in a hospital, clinic, maternity home, or private home. The midwife, whose practice may also include well-child care, family planning, and some aspects of gynecology, is often an important source of health counseling in the community. 3. a nurse midwife or Certified Nurse Midwife.
