A midwife is a trained professional who specializes in normal childbirth. She offers expert care, education, counseling and support to parents and newborns during the childbearing cycle. Midwives believe pregnancy and childbirth are normal and healthy life processes, which usually do not require medical interventions. Her goal is to help each person have the safest and most emotionally fulfilling birth experience. Today’s midwife is trained in the use of modern diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. She knows how to watch for and identify potential complications as well as provide emergency treatment until additional assistance is available, when necessary. Midwives are teachers and advocates who enable parents to make informed choices. More and more states are looking at midwives as providers for vital maternity care services.
