midwife
n. countablen. a trained professional who helps women during pregnancy, labor, and the period after birth. They provide medical care and support to ensure a safe delivery.
n. a healthcare professional trained to assist women during childbirth and the postpartum period. Often used in contrast to an obstetrician, focusing on natural labor and holistic care.
The midwife visited the new mother at home.
Many parents choose a midwife because they prefer a more personal and less medicalized approach to childbirth.
While the hospital provides emergency surgical backup, the midwife remains the primary caregiver for low-risk pregnancies, overseeing the entire physiological process of labor.
From Middle English midwif, corresponding to mid (“with”) + wif (“woman, wife, female”). It appears not to be entirely clear whether the original understanding was “with-woman” in the sense of “attending/assisting woman”, or “they who are with the woman” (namely the mother).
Commonly used in both medical and home-birth contexts.