Definition of a Midwife

A midwife is a person who has successfully completed a prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licenced to practice midwifery in Nova Scotia

As primary health providers midwives are recognized as autonomous professionals who practice as part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary model of maternal and infant care.

Midwives must be able to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the post-partum period, to conduct deliveries on their own responsibility and to care for the newborn infant. This care includes preventive measures, the detection of abnormal conditions in mother and child, the procurement of medical and non-medical assistance and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical help.

They have an important task in health counselling and education, not only for their clients, but also within the family and community. Their work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood, and should extend to certain areas of gynaecology, family planning and child care. They may practice in hospitals, clinics, health units, domiciliary conditions, or in any other service.