The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday released new guidance to help countries adopt and expand midwifery-led models of care.
These models position midwives as the primary providers for women and babies throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
In a statement, WHO said the guidance promoted strong communication and partnership between women and midwives, offering proven health benefits for both.
“Women who receive care from trusted midwives are statistically more likely to experience healthy vaginal births and report higher satisfaction with services,” the organisation stated.
Dr Anshu Banerjee, WHO’s Director for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, described investing in midwifery models as one of the most effective global strategies for improving maternal and newborn health.
“These approaches improve outcomes, maximise resources, and can be adapted to all countries.
“Crucially, they also enhance women’s and families’ experiences of care.
“In spite of global progress, maternal and newborn deaths remain unacceptably high, especially in low-income and fragile settings,” he said.
Banerjee said WHO estimated that universal access to skilled midwives could prevent more than 60 per cent of these deaths, potentially saving 4.3 million lives annually by 2035.
“Midwifery models focus on informed choice, respectful communication, and non-invasive techniques, such as mobility during labour, breathing guidance, varied birthing positions, and emotional support.
“These methods aim to empower women and reduce unnecessary medical interventions.”
Banerjee noted that while procedures like caesarean sections are life-saving when medically necessary, their overuse can pose health risks.
“In some countries, caesarean rates now exceed 50 per cent, suggesting high rates of medically unnecessary procedures,” he said.
Ms. Ulrika Loi, WHO Midwifery Expert and lead on the new guidance, emphasised that skilled midwives helped women trust their bodies and participate actively in their care.
“Investing in midwifery not only improves health outcomes but also ensures women have access to personalised, respectful, and empowering care.
“The new guidance provides practical tools and case studies to help countries transition to midwifery-led models, calling for strong political will, strategic planning, and dedicated funding.
“It also underscores the importance of high-quality education and regulation aligned with global standards, enabling midwives to practise autonomously and evidence-based,” Loi said.
Effective implementation, according to WHO, requires collaboration among midwives, doctors, and nurses.
“In the event of complications, midwives must be empowered to work in integrated teams to ensure quality, multidisciplinary care.
“Globally, millions of women still give birth without skilled assistance, and one-third does not receive even half of WHO’s recommended eight pregnancy checkups.
“Progress in reducing maternal and newborn deaths has stagnated since 2016,” Loi said.
Anna Ugglas, Chief Executive of the International Confederation of Midwives, said midwifery-led care was not just a smart solution but a necessity.
“In an increasingly medicalised world, midwifery offers a person-centred, evidence-based approach that respects the physiological process of birth, restores dignity to maternity care, and ensures safety for mothers and newborns,” she said.
“The guidance outlines adaptable midwifery care models, including: Continuity of care: A known midwife or small team supports a woman throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
“Midwife-led birth centres: Facilities for low-risk births, often offering antenatal, postnatal, or family planning services.
“Community-based care: Mobile or local services delivering care directly to communities. Private practice: Independent midwifery services regulated and integrated into national health systems.”
