Midwifery includes comprehensive care of women during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Midwives see women as a whole person and address the physical, spiritual, emotional and social aspects of her life as a part of her care.

Routine prenatal care is offered to minimize complications of pregnancy. A woman will see the same midwife throughout her pregnancy and birth, offering continuity of care. They focus on prevention of complications through education about nutrition and healthy living. They are also trained to care for minor complications that arise in pregnancy.

Midwives provide personalized care during the labor and birth process, recognizing that every birth is unique. They have a great respect for the natural process of birth, and offer comfort measures to minimize suffering associated with the pain of labor. Midwives are trained to recognize the early signs of a labor that may no longer be progessing normally and to take appropriate action.

Midwives can also provide care for women when they are not pregnant. Midwives provide preconception counseling including health recommendations to prepare a woman’s body for pregnancy. They also provide counsel regarding family planning issues, whether a woman is wanting to become pregnant or avoid pregnancy.