A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational programme, duly recognised in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practise midwifery.
She must be able to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility and to care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventative measures, the detection of abnormal conditions in mother and child, the procurement of medical assistance and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical help. She has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the women, but also within the family and the community. The work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and extends to certain areas of gynaecology, family planning and child care. She may practise in hospitals, clinics, health units, domiciliary conditions or in any other service.
Jointly developed by the International Confederation of Midwives
and the International Federation of Gynaecology
and Obstetrics.
Adopted by the
International Confederation of Midwives Council 1972.
Adopted by the International Federation of
Gynaecology and Obstetrics 1973.
Later adopted by the World Health Organization.
Amended by the International Confederation of
Midwives Council,
Amendment ratified by the International Federation of Gynaecology and
Obstetrics 1991
and the World Health Organization 1992.