A midwife is a health care provider who cares for women during pregnancy, childbirth, following the birth of a child, and for other health needs throughout their adult life. Only New York licensed midwives may practice in New York State. Midwives have collaborative relationships with physicians.
Licensed midwives are independent practitioners with expertise in the care of healthy women.
Midwives collaborate with physicians and will consult with them immediately if complications arise at any time during the childbearing process. This insures safe care and continuous support for the woman and her family. Licensed midwives practice with the expectation that a woman's childbearing experience will be normal. Midwives focus on enhancing health and providing support through a normal, physiological process. They continually monitor for signs of complications.