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What is Midwifery?

Midwifery is a practice that provides a broad range of reproductive, sexual, and primary care services. While historically the term midwife has referred to a woman who assisted during pregnancies and childbirth, midwives today offer gynecological, preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care, as well as care for newborn infants. In 2012, the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) acknowledged midwives can also provide services for gender non-conforming and transgender individuals. Midwives may undergo medical training and licensing to become certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) or certified midwives. In 2019, about 1 in 10 of US births were attended by a CNM or certified midwife. Midwives may provide care in a hospital, private birth center, or in-home setting. Frequent midwifery treatments and services include, but are not limited to:

• Family planning and contraception
• Labor and delivery, including monitoring labor progress and aiding throughout the delivery process
• Postpartum services
• Education, such as classes or seminars for expectant mothers on lactation (breastfeeding)
• Gynecologic exams and infection treatment
• Menopausal and premenopausal treatment
• Newborn infant care

While certified nurse midwives may attend deliveries within a hospital team and setting, other midwives typically operate apart from doctors. If a pregnant individual expects delivery complications, it is advised they receive treatment from a doctor, or only visit a midwife as supplementary care to clinical services. Midwives may collaborate with obstetricians, gynecologists, neonatal specialists and nurses, perinatologists, physical therapists, nurses, and dietitians.