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.
Midwives are more than just attendants at birth. They are caregivers, educators, and community anchors. Their importance lies in:
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.
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.
Despite improvements, maternal deaths remain a challenge in rural India. Traditional midwives (dais) and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) still bridge the gap where doctors and hospitals are inaccessible. The Government of India must give stronger recognition to midwifery education and create a robust midwifery education system to save lives.
Here, midwives are often the only form of maternal care. In Congo, where maternal deaths are alarmingly high, a skilled professional midwife can mean the difference between life and death. Expanding midwifery practice and structured training can drastically improve maternal health, as well as newborn babies’ health outcomes.
In Greece, midwives once held an esteemed position in society. Even today, many families prefer them for natural and personalized birthing. With better midwifery education, Greece shows how traditional wisdom and modern systems can complement each other effectively. This can, in turn, help reassure the health of pregnant women and babies.
Despite their vital work, midwives encounter multiple barriers:
These challenges leave even professional midwives underutilized, despite their proven ability to prevent maternal deaths and improve maternal health.
For policymakers and health authorities, supporting midwives is not optional — it’s essential. Here’s what integration could achieve:
Until we have a fully functional health infrastructure everywhere, midwifery-led care units and midwifery practice remain indispensable.
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.
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.
Ans: Midwives assist pregnant women during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. They provide both physical and emotional support, especially in areas where hospitals or doctors are not easily accessible.
Ans: Yes. In many rural and developing regions, midwives are the first line of maternal care. Even in developed countries, professional midwives support natural, less-invasive births alongside doctors.
Ans: Because healthcare infrastructure is often limited, midwives ensure safe deliveries. Their accessibility makes them essential for reducing maternal deaths and improving maternal health.
Ans: No. Midwives complement doctors. While they handle normal deliveries, complications require medical professionals. Effective midwifery practice ensures that both systems work together.
Ans: Training varies by country. Some receive formal midwifery education, while others learn traditionally. A robust midwifery education system can improve safety and reliability globally.
Ans: With proper training and support, midwives can manage normal deliveries, provide maternal care, and ensure timely referrals during complications — reducing maternal deaths and improving maternal health.
Ans: Yes, when prescribed by a qualified doctor. Homeopathy can help pregnant women with stress and recovery, complementing midwives’ care. However, it never replaces conventional specialists or emergency obstetric care.
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