Since ancient times, midwives have played a crucial role in delivery by supporting and caring for women during their pregnancies, labors, and postpartum periods. The word “midwife” is an Old English word that means “with woman.” However, there are numerous regional and cultural names for midwives throughout the world. We shall look at the various names for midwives in this article, along with their definitions.
Midwives are referred to as “doulas” in many cultures, which is a translation of the Greek word for “servant.” Doulas support women physically and emotionally during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Despite not having medical training, they are educated about childbirth and give the mother support and advice.
Midwives in Africa are referred to as “traditional birth attendants” or “TBAs.” In remote places where there is little access to medical facilities and skilled experts, TBAs have been crucial in delivering delivery care. They are typically older women who have had children themselves and have gathered knowledge from previous TBAs. Midwives are referred to in Latin America as “comadronas,” which means “godmothers.” Comadronas are renowned in the neighborhood and frequently requested to attend house births. They help with labor and postpartum care using conventional techniques and herbal medicines.
Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) are the two types of midwives in the United States. Registered nurses with additional education and training in midwifery are known as CNMs. While CMs have finished a graduate-level midwifery degree, they are not nurses. Both CNMs and CMs are authorized to offer care for expectant mothers, new mothers, and postpartum patients.
One well-known midwife is Ina May Gaskin, dubbed the “mother of modern midwifery.” In the 1970s, Gaskin established the Farm Midwifery Center in Tennessee, which went on to become a national model for midwifery care. She is an outspoken supporter of natural childbirth and midwifery care and has authored several books on childbirth and midwifery.
man midwives are also referred to as “midhusbands” or “male midwives.” While they are less prevalent than female midwives, male midwives are crucial in providing care to LGBTQ+ couples and expectant fathers who might feel more at ease with a male care provider.
Finally, the many titles that midwives go by around the world reflect their cultural significance and their function in birthing. No matter what name they go by—doulas, TBAs, comadronas, CNMs, or CMs—they are all committed to giving women the safest possible care while they are pregnant and giving birth.
Certified Professional Midwife is the abbreviation.