By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for a worldwide increase in midwifery models of care, emphasizing the vital role of midwives as the primary providers for women and babies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
In its new guidance, WHO highlights the benefits of strong communication and partnerships between women and midwives, noting that women cared for by trusted midwives are more likely to have healthy vaginal births and report higher satisfaction with their care.
“Expanding and investing in midwifery models of care is one of the most effective ways to improve maternal and newborn health across the globe,” said Dr. Anshu Banerjee, WHO’s Director for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing.
“These models improve health outcomes, optimize resources, and can be adapted to any country. Most importantly, they enhance women’s experiences by building trust and respectful relationships during this critical time.”
Despite some progress, maternal and neonatal deaths remain unacceptably high, especially in low-income and fragile settings. WHO estimates that providing universal access to skilled midwives could prevent more than 60% of these deaths, saving approximately 4.3 million lives annually by 2035.
Midwifery care emphasizes informed choice, communication, and non-invasive techniques such as mobility during labor, breathing exercises, varied birthing positions, and emotional support. These approaches empower women and aim to reduce unnecessary medical interventions, such as cesarean sections, which in some countries exceed 50%, indicating over-medicalization.
“Investing in midwifery models ensures women receive respectful, individualized care and helps create a workforce equipped to support safe, natural births while reducing health risks,” he added.
The WHO’s new guidance provides practical resources and real-world examples to assist countries in expanding midwifery services. It calls for political commitment, strategic planning, and long-term financing including dedicated budget lines to support this transition.
Many women worldwide still give birth without a skilled health worker, and about one-third do not receive the WHO’s recommended minimum of four prenatal checkups. Progress in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality has plateaued since 2016, underscoring the urgent need to expand midwifery services.
The guidance outlines several adaptable midwifery care models, including continuous support by a known midwife, midwife-led birth centres, community-based services, and private practices each requiring proper regulation and integration into national health systems to maximize their impact.