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What a midwife does
A midwife provides care across pregnancy, labour, birth and the days that follow. The role includes monitoring the health of parent and baby, supporting people during labour and delivery, and offering guidance on feeding, recovery and newborn care.
Midwifery is a registered, regulated profession in most countries, so midwives hold a recognised qualification and current registration. They work closely with obstetricians, health visitors and other professionals, escalating care when needed.
Core responsibilities
- Monitoring the health of parent and baby through pregnancy.
- Providing care and support during labour and birth.
- Carrying out clinical checks and observations.
- Offering guidance on feeding, recovery and newborn care.
- Recognising complications and escalating appropriately.
- Keeping accurate, confidential clinical records.
Skills and qualities
- A recognised midwifery qualification and current registration.
- Clinical knowledge and calm judgement under pressure.
- Compassion, patience and reassuring communication.
- Attention to detail and careful record-keeping.
- Stamina and resilience for long, unpredictable shifts.
- Teamwork with the wider maternity team.
Typical employers and settings
- Hospital maternity units and labour wards.
- Community midwifery and antenatal services.
- Birth centres and home-birth services.
- Clinics and outpatient maternity services.
- Healthcare staffing agencies.
How the role is recruited
- Roles are filled directly by providers or through specialist agencies.
- Registration, qualifications and right to work are verified before hire.
- Pre-employment checks usually include references and health clearance.
- Interviews assess clinical knowledge, judgement and values.
- Onboarding covers local procedures, systems and supervised practice.
Documents involved
- A job description setting out maternity-care duties.
- Proof of midwifery qualification and current registration.
- An employment contract or agency assignment terms.
- An offer letter confirming role, hours and start date.
- Reference and health-clearance checks as required.
- An induction and orientation record.
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