Call Us Midwives: Critical Comparison of What Is a Midwife and What Is Midwifery

Abstract

Research has identified midwifery as key to improving maternal and child health globally. Consequently, increasing the numbers, access, and quality of midwives is paramount as attention, funding, education, and support increases. Yet what a midwife and midwifery are is often misunderstood. The terms midwife and midwifery are often used interchangeably. Other cadres such as nurses, doulas, Skilled Birth Attendant, traditional birth attendant, and nurses with obstetric/perinatal experience are often referred to as midwives or providers of midwifery care. As health systems work to integrate midwives and midwifery, global clarity and understanding must exist on what midwives are and what they are not, and what midwifery is and is not. As the first step to establishing clarity; we undertook a critical comparison of existing different countries, ‘not for profit and professional organizations’ definitions and interpretation of a midwife and midwifery philosophy. The International Confederation of Midwives' definition of a midwife and midwifery philosophy, and their Global Standards for Midwifery Education acted as the baseline. A global consensus and commitment to educational systems and culture that teaches the midwifery model and the philosophy behind that care can positively impact and improve outcomes for women and babies.