What is a Midwife?

The midwife has an important task in health counselling and education, not only for the woman, but also within the family and community. This work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and may extend to women's health, sexual or reproductive health and childcare, and to gain the knowledge to counteract the lack of pain relievers and antiseptics.[citation needed]

Depending on country and state laws, a midwife may practice in any setting including in the home, the community, hospitals, clinics or health units.