When people imagine pregnancy and delivery, they often picture doctors and hospitals, but for many families, a midwife is the main support throughout the whole experience. So, what exactly does the midwife do?
Midwives are specifically trained to support patients throughout their pregnancy, delivery, and beyond. They monitor their patients’ health, provide prenatal, birth, and postpartum care, support recovery, and provide emotional support throughout the entire journey.
Midwifery services are a safe, evidence-based approach that considers the whole person. One of the most important things a midwife does is prepare and educate parents so they may feel confident in their care choices.
Midwives play a central role in supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery, offering care that is both clinically skilled and deeply personal. At WomanCare, this aligns closely with a whole-person philosophy, where physical health, emotional well-being, and individual preferences are integral to the care experience.
Essentially, midwives:
After delivery, their role continues. Midwives support recovery, breastfeeding, and emotional health, helping you adjust to life after birth with confidence and care.
At your regular prenatal appointments, the midwife is there to check your vital signs, track your baby’s growth, order labs, and screen for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other conditions. They review the results and listen to the baby’s heartbeat. Your midwife is also there to hear your concerns, answer questions, and check in with you emotionally.
Midwives help you understand prenatal tests and make informed decisions. They get to know you and help create a birth plan that aligns with your values and wishes. If needed, they connect you with other specialists and offer steady support and a knowledgeable presence as you wait for your baby’s birth.
Having a midwife with you during labor and delivery makes a big difference in how you respond. The support they offer during this period is often life-changing. Research shows that midwifery improves outcomes for mothers and their babies.
Through each stage of labor, from the first contractions to the final push, your midwife is by your side to monitor your cervical progress, check your baby’s heart rate, and help control pain through natural methods like breathing techniques, position changes, and, when appropriate, medication.
If your pregnancy is low-risk, your midwife is fully trained and equipped to deliver your baby. Should something unexpected arise, like the need for a C-section, your midwife works with the doctor to make sure you understand everything that's happening.
The postpartum period can be difficult for new parents. The “fourth trimester” is often tiring, emotionally complex, and physically demanding. Your midwife is at your side through this chapter, including follow-up in-office or telehealth appointments.
In the first few weeks after birth, you’re healing and bonding with your baby. Your midwife checks on your physical, mental, and emotional recovery, monitors the baby’s weight and feeding with general check-ins, and supports and guides you whether you choose to bottle feed or breastfeed. They watch for signs of postpartum anxiety or depression, connecting you with emotional health support if you need it. Although newborn care typically falls within midwifery, it is not supported by WomanCare.
The reassurance and support you receive from a midwife can shape your entire pregnancy and birth experience. It’s not just about clinical care; it’s about having someone in your corner who listens, advocates for you, and helps bring your birth plan to life in a way that feels safe and empowering.
At WomanCare, continuity of care is a key part of that experience. You’ll see the same midwife or care team throughout your journey, allowing you to build trust, ask questions openly, and feel truly known, not just as a patient, but as a person. That consistency often leads to more confident decision-making and a more positive experience for both you and your baby.
Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you make the choice that feels right for you. Simply schedule a consultation today.