Midwife Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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midwife
[ˈmɪdwaɪf ]
Definition
healthcare professional
A midwife is a trained health professional who helps women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Midwives provide care and support to expectant mothers and can deliver babies in various settings, including hospitals and homes. They emphasize natural childbirth, but they are also trained to handle complications.
Synonyms
birth attendant, childbirth educator, obstetrician.
Examples of usage
- She decided to hire a midwife for her home birth.
- The midwife guided her through the labor pains.
- Midwives play a critical role in maternal care.
- In many cultures, midwives are relied upon for birthing practices.
Translations
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Origin of 'midwife'
The word 'midwife' originates from the Old English 'midwif', where 'mid' means 'with' and 'wif' means 'woman'. Historically, midwives have been recognized as essential figures in childbirth, providing care and assistance to women during one of the most significant moments of their lives. The practice has roots in various ancient cultures, where women assisted each other in childbirth. With the establishment of modern medicine, the role of midwives has evolved, but they continue to be a vital part of maternal health care. The rise of midwifery in the 20th century also led to increased recognition of the importance of prenatal care and more holistic approaches to childbirth.