What is a midwife?

People ask me this all the time.  As they ask,  they often pronounce the word every possible way. “Mid-WIF-ery, mid-WIFE-ry, MID-wif-ry – what is it?”

Midwifery (pronounced mid-WIF-ery) is an ancient profession probably as old, if not older than husbandry.  Midwives deliver personalized, primary health care to women, in the home, birth center, clinic, or hospital. Husbandry, on the other hand is the care and cultivation of crops and animals for profit. Totally different. 

In celebration of National Midwifery week here’s a video describing what midwives do.