The Unsung Heroes of Maternal Care: Why Midwives Deserve More Recognition

Midwife-Led Care for Maternal Health Before, During & After Deliveries – A Brief Introduction

When I look back at my younger years, I remember a time when midwives were the lifeline for countless families during childbirth. In villages and small towns, their presence often determined whether both mother and child survived. They were trusted not only as birth attendants but also as pillars of emotional strength in the most vulnerable moments of a family’s life.

Today, much has changed in medicine, but in many regions of India, Africa, Greece, and Congo, the reality remains the same. Hospitals are far, transportation is unreliable, and proper healthcare infrastructure is still developing. In these circumstances, midwives continue to play a critical role in saving lives. I firmly believe that until we achieve universal access to well-equipped hospitals and emergency facilities, the role of midwives in India and other countries cannot be emphasized enough.

Midwifery-Led Care Units and Independent Midwives – For Holistic Maternity Care

Midwives are more than just attendants at birth. They are caregivers, educators, and community anchors. Their importance lies in:

• Accessibility: In rural areas, these midwifery-led care units may often be the only available support during labor.
• Affordability: Their services are often more affordable than institutional deliveries.
• Cultural Trust: Pregnant women and their families feel more comfortable with someone familiar with local traditions.
• Holistic Care: Many midwives support pregnant women and therefore maternal health, before, during, and after delivery.

Even to this day, midwifery-led care units can be found across the country and in many other countries. They not only assist pregnant women but also play an important role in reducing maternal deaths and promoting maternal health. These units, with the help of professional midwives, have shown that structured midwifery practice can improve outcomes significantly.

Midwives in India and Other Countries – Key to Safer Childbirths & Postpartum Care of Pregnant Women

I still recall how families in my community would prepare for childbirth by calling the local midwife. She was treated with immense respect because everyone knew her presence improved survival chances for both mother and child. The result? More hope about the health of pregnant women and child health.

It was not just about medical help — it was about comfort, reassurance, and trust. As I grew into my medical practice, I realized that while advanced hospitals and specialists are necessary, many communities are still far from these facilities. In such areas, trained and recognized midwives can be lifesavers for pregnant women and their children until the healthcare system is strong enough to stand on its own.

Also Read : Best Homeopathic Treatment for PCOD

The Global Perspective on Midwifery Practices

The Challenges Midwives & the Current Midwifery Model Face

Despite their vital work, midwives encounter multiple barriers:

• Lack of structured midwifery education and certifications.
• Poor recognition in official healthcare programs.
• Shortages of equipment and emergency support.
• Legal restrictions limiting midwifery practice.
• Stigma, labeling them as “outdated” compared to modern medicine.

These challenges leave even professional midwives underutilized, despite their proven ability to prevent maternal deaths and improve maternal health.

Why We Must Promote Midwifery Education & Integrate Midwifery Services into Healthcare

For policymakers and health authorities, supporting midwives is not optional — it’s essential. Here’s what integration could achieve:

• Standardized midwifery education and certification programs.
• A robust midwifery education system for producing more professional midwives.
• Better collaboration between doctors, nurses, and midwives.
• Safer deliveries in underserved areas.
• Significant reductions in maternal deaths and better maternal health outcomes.

Until we have a fully functional health infrastructure everywhere, midwifery-led care units and midwifery practice remain indispensable.

A Gentle Note on Homeopathy

While midwives provide physical care during childbirth, homeopathy has historically supported pregnant women through pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and emotional well-being. Remedies, when prescribed by a qualified doctor, can help with stress, fatigue, and discomfort. Just as midwives complement modern medicine, homeopathy complements maternal care, always under professional guidance.

Disclaimer: Homeopathy and homeopathic doctors do not replace conventional medication and maternity-related healthcare practices.

Conclusion

Midwives are not relics of history. They remain vital, especially in regions where hospitals are distant and emergency care is limited. From my childhood memories to my years of practice, I have seen how their presence transforms outcomes.

I strongly believe that until proper infrastructure and universal access to medical care are established, professional midwives must be integrated into mainstream healthcare systems. With recognition, a robust midwifery education system, and resources, they can help reduce maternal deaths and improve both maternal health and child health.

It is time we, as a society, value their contribution and give them the place they deserve in healthcare.