Midwifery is the term which is use to describe the art of assisting a pregnant woman through childbirth. In the modern context, it is use to describe the activities of those health care providers. These are the experts in women’s health care. They use to take care of pregnant women and giving them prenatal care to delivery assistance. Obstetrician, in contrast, is the specialist in illness related to child bearing surgery. These women are trained to handle certain complex situations, including breech birth, posterior position, using non-invasive techniques. In many countries these women were reorganized as “traditional birth attendants”, as name given by World Health Organization (WHO). Several countries also provide part-time and full-time courses to these midwives. This education may be apprenticeship, a formal university program, or a combination of both. These women are responsible for the birth at home, home-birth, and delivery in home

What midwives do

There are some works in which these women get expertise. These are as follows-

Preventive measures, promotion to normal delivery, detection of complications in mother as well as in child, advice given to mother, labor and postpartum period, care to infant. These midwives are autonomous practitioners. Midwifery enhances the quality of care for childbearing women.

Many companies also publish several journals and magazines on midwifery. These magazines provide some beneficial information on midwifery. These companies make good profit across the globe by providing some very good information about the care taking measurements and others measurement which is required hygienic and safe birth.
For instance, midwifery today is one the magazine whose sells reaches on top last year.

Qualification of midwives

Counseling, listening and general communication skill is required and essential for midwifery. Many mothers, especially new ones will need advice and support from these qualified midwives. Apart from the practical knowledge, these midwives also have awareness of social and traditional culture. The services provided by these women are invaluable and indispensable. Good social behavior is paramount to this profession. Midwifery is a rewarding and challenging career, but it also needs flexibility in work.

Historical perspective

Midwifery had been one the few medical practices dominated by female practitioners.
From Agnodice in ancient Greece to the 18th century in Europe, the care of infant and pregnant women had been regarded by these medical professionals. In 18th century, a division between surgeons and midwifes arose. Justine Siegemund, a renowned seventeenth century German midwife, was the first official declared midwife.

Types of midwives

There are two typed of midwives as described in USA. These are divided into two main categories -
1.   Nurse midwives.
2.   Direct entry midwives.
Direct entry midwives are further divided into- A Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) and the other one is Licensed Midwives (LM).

The “Lay Midwives” has been designated as unlicensed practitioners.