A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifeiy educational programme, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifeiy and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practise midwifery.

The midwife is recognised as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessaiy support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct births on the midwife’s own responsibility and to provide care for the newborn and the infant This care indudes preventative measures, the promotion of normal birth, the detection of complications in mother and child, the accessing of medical care or other appropriate assistance and the carrying out of emergency measures.

The midwife has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman, but also within the family and the community. This work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and may extend to women’s health, sexual or reproductive health and childcare.

A midwife may practise in any setting including the home, community, hospitals, clinics or health units. The title Midwife is a protected title only for a professional fulfilling the ICM competencies.