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. There are various choices women can make about the birthing experience. Midwives present a full range of choices and let the woman decide what, within the safe available options, she wants for her care. New York licensed midwives have graduated from a State-approved program that includes classroom training and clinical experience. Studies include courses in maternity and pediatric care, pharmacology, well-woman care, neonatal care, and family planning and gynecological care.