midwife

Definition

A person, usually a woman, who is trained to assist women in childbirth, but who is not a physician.

Etymology

From Middle English midwif, corresponding to mid (“with”) + wif (“woman, wife, female”). It appears not to be entirely clear whether the original understanding was “with-woman” in the sense of “attending/assisting woman”, or “they who are with the woman” (namely the mother).

Example Sentences

• "A hundred years ago, a midwife would bring the baby into the world - going to a hospital to deliver a baby was either impossible or unheard of."
• "Modernly, a hospital midwife is usually a registered nurse."
• "The senior midwife confirmed that […] occasionally a multigravid woman could feel little more than slight abdominal discomfort."