Definition of Midwifery | International Confederation of Midwives (2024)

FAQs

What is the definition of a midwife by the International Confederation of Midwives? ›

The midwife is recognized as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period, to conduct births on the midwife's own responsibility and to provide care for the newborn and the infant.

Midwifery is defined as “skilled, knowledgeable and compassionate care for childbearing women, newborn infants and families across the continuum from prepregnancy, pregnancy, birth, postpartum and the early weeks of life”.

ICM is an accredited non-governmental organisation and represents midwives and midwifery to organisations worldwide to achieve common goals in the care of mothers and children.

Midwifery: is founded on respect for women and on a strong belief in the value of women's work, bearing and rearing each generation. considers women in pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting to be undertaking healthy processes that are profound and precious events in each woman's life.

In the United States, midwives fall under two main categories: Nurse midwives who are trained in nursing and midwifery. Direct entry midwives who are trained in midwifery only.

The ICM International Code of Ethics for Midwives (1993) is a moral guide for the midwife in education, practice and research. This code upholds the rights and needs of women, seeks justice for all people and promotes fair access to needed health care services.

The first difference between nurses and midwives is their level of education and certification. Nurses typically complete their nursing education in the form of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, while midwives complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, specifically in midwifery.

n. the profession of providing assistance and medical care to women undergoing labour and childbirth during the antenatal, perinatal, and postnatal periods. See also community midwife, obstetrics. —midwife n.

Male midwives may also offer unique attributes to the childbearing family's experience precisely because they're male. Men's motivations for choosing midwifery are also discussed. One man reported a long family history of involvement in midwifery; as a result, caring for pregnant women came naturally to him.

A process whereby the woman or gender diverse person commences, continues, and completes labour with the infant being born spontaneously at term, in the vertex position, and without surgical, medical, or pharmaceutical intervention.

What are the five principles of midwifery? ›

The midwifery model of care is based on the five key principles of continuity of care, informed choice, community-based, choice of birth setting and evidence-informed practice. This model takes us beyond a medicalized approach to pregnancy, birth and postpartum, towards individualized, humanized care.

Sustainable Midwifery: Caring for Tomorrow's World is the VIDM 2024 theme. Sustainable midwifery practices prioritize the well-being of both mother and child while minimizing environmental impact, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.

All midwives must demonstrate competencies across the four areas: effective midwifery practice; professional and ethical practice; developing the individual midwife and others; and achieving quality care through evaluation and research.

They see themselves as partners in their clients' care and recognize clients as the primary decision-makers. Ontario's midwifery model of care is based on three principles: continuity of care; informed choice and choice of birthplace.

Philosophy and values of midwifery

Midwives use professional knowledge, skills and attitudes to competently support the woman and her baby. Midwifery protects and enhances the health of women and babies, which in turn protects and enhances the health and wellbeing of society.

In 1922, they founded the International Midwives' Union (IMU) in Belgium. In 1954, the IMU changed its name to the International Confederation of Midwives, with its head office in London, United Kingdom. The ICM office moved to The Hague, Netherlands in 1999 and has been there ever since.