You have to continually be observant, and you have to rely on all your senses, including your sixth sense. Watch the patients' facial expressions. Listen to what they are saying. Be aware of their body language. That's generally what sets midwives apart from physicians.
Physicians practice the science of delivering babies.
They come in for the delivery after someone else has prepped the mother, deliver the child and shake the father's hand. Many physicians may want to connect with patients but usually they don't have the time, and it is not emphasized in their training. It's an important part of the art of midwifery. We look at birth as more than just the physical experience of delivery. We try to address the spiritual part of it.