What is a Midwife?

Midwifery is the ancient tradition of women attending each other
around the time of birth. Today in the United States, it has evolved to artfully combine the old knowledge based on natural, holistic healing with that of the modern, Western medical perspective. The relationship between midwife and client is non-hierarchical and founded on trust and empowerment.

The Midwives Model of Care includes:

• monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle;

• providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support;

• minimizing technological interventions; and

• identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention.
  

The application of this woman-centered model of care has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and cesarean section.

(©1996-2005, Midwifery Task Force, Inc., All Rights Reserved)

International Definition of a Midwife     Midwifery in Washington State