The Essential Role of Midwives in Improving Maternal and Newborn Care Worldwide

Midwives are central to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes across the world. Their work ensures that women receive respectful, skilled, and compassionate care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. In many healthcare systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries, midwives form the backbone of maternity care services. Their presence significantly reduces maternal mortality, prevents newborn complications, and improves the overall childbirth experience for women and families. As global healthcare continues to evolve, strengthening midwifery services remains one of the most effective strategies for improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Every woman and newborn has the right to receive high-quality care that promotes safety, dignity, and positive birth experiences. Quality maternity care includes respectful communication, emotional support, pain relief strategies, freedom of movement during labour, and the ability to choose a comfortable birth position. Many healthcare organizations emphasize the importance of allowing women to have a companion of their choice during labour, as this has been shown to reduce stress and improve childbirth outcomes. Midwives are uniquely trained to provide this woman-centered care, ensuring that mothers feel supported and respected throughout the childbirth journey.

Research and global health evidence consistently demonstrate the life-saving impact of skilled midwifery care. Studies show that midwives who are properly educated and regulated according to international standards can provide up to 87% of the essential care needed by mothers and newborns. This includes antenatal care, labour support, newborn care, family planning services, and postnatal monitoring. Additionally, women who receive continuous care from the same midwife during pregnancy and childbirth are more likely to experience better outcomes. Such continuity of care has been associated with a 24% reduction in preterm births, a 16% reduction in the risk of losing a baby, and significantly higher levels of maternal satisfaction. Source: World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience.

Midwife-led care models are widely recognized as cost-effective and highly beneficial in both developed and developing healthcare systems. These models ensure that pregnant women receive consistent support from a known healthcare professional throughout pregnancy, labour, and postpartum recovery.

Continuity of care builds trust between the mother and the midwife, allowing for early detection of complications and prompt intervention when necessary. Countries that invest in strengthening midwifery education, regulation, and professional development often see dramatic improvements in maternal survival rates and newborn health outcomes.

Despite their critical role, many midwives face challenges that limit their ability to provide safe and effective care. One of the major obstacles is the lack of access to basic infrastructure such as safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. Reports indicate that a significant percentage of healthcare facilities worldwide lack reliable access to clean water, functional sanitation systems, or even basic handwashing facilities. These deficiencies increase the risk of infections among mothers and newborns and create unsafe working conditions for healthcare professionals. Ensuring that healthcare facilities are equipped with clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene resources is essential for improving maternal and newborn safety.

Strengthening midwifery services remains a key priority in achieving global maternal and newborn health goals. Governments, healthcare organizations, and policymakers must work together to ensure that midwives receive appropriate training, professional support, and adequate working conditions. Expanding access to midwife-led continuity of care can significantly reduce maternal deaths, improve newborn survival, and enhance the overall quality of maternity services. Investing in midwives is not only a healthcare priority but also a powerful strategy for building stronger, healthier communities worldwide.