Midwife means with woman. It is a way of being as well as a way of providing care.

Midwifery is an art and a science. The art of midwifery consists of sensitivity to the needs of women and families, and being able to meet these needs in the most appropriate way. The art of midwifery involves knowing when and how to intervene to promote safety if it becomes necessary, and is grounded in scientific knowledge. The science of midwifery overlaps with that of other disciplines such as medicine and nursing. The crux of the midwifery art and science lies in the knowledge and devotion to keeping birth, and other related processes normal. The emphasis of our care is on building partnership with women and families in providing care and in maintaining health. We see our clients as whole, capable people for whom these processes offer the opportunity for significant personal growth.

This midwifery practice is shaped and formed by the following beliefs:

• Childbearing is a normal process and it is not usually necessary to interfere medically.
• Women should have as much control as possible in determining their care, and should be encouraged to be active participants in decision-making and self-care.
• The role of the midwife is to act as a guide and a lifeguard. In the guide role, the midwife provides the education, anticipatory guidance, and information needed for parents to make informed choices. Emotional support is also provided. The lifeguard role involves watchfulness for deviations from normal which might jeopardize health in non-pregnant women seeking services, or in childbearing women and their infants, and the ability to take corrective action when it becomes necessary to prevent harm to anyone in the midwife's care.