Guidance to strengthen midwifery models of care

On 18 June, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released new guidance to help countries adopt and expand midwifery models of care—where midwives serve as the main providers throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.

The guidance highlighted the benefits of midwifery-led care, including improved health outcomes and higher patient satisfaction. It emphasised that women receiving care from known midwives were more likely to have healthy vaginal births and feel empowered during the process. These models promoted informed choice, communication, and non-invasive techniques such as mobility during labour, emotional support, and alternative birthing positions.

WHO underscored midwifery models as a cost-effective solution, estimating that universal access to skilled midwives could prevent over 60% of maternal and newborn deaths, potentially saving 4.3 million lives annually by 2035.

The guidance also addressed the global trend of over-medicalisation, noting that while interventions like caesarean sections are life-saving when necessary, their routine overuse poses risks. Midwives were seen as key to restoring physiological, respectful birth practices and reducing unnecessary procedures.

The document provided tools and examples for countries to transition to midwifery-led care. It called for political commitment, long-term financing, and high-quality midwifery education and regulation. WHO also emphasised the importance of collaborative care, with midwives working autonomously yet closely with doctors and nurses.

The guidance outlined adaptable models such as continuity of care, midwife-led birth centres, community-based services, and regulated private practice—all aiming to ensure safe, person-centred maternity care globally.

Source: World Health Organisation