Midwife

Your Fit

Income

$64K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

5.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Midwife?

A Midwife is a trained healthcare professional who provides care and support to women during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. They focus on facilitating natural childbirth and ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Midwife.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Midwife earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$44K per year	$64K per year	$87K per year	$120K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $16K above the national average.

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What does a Midwife do?

Work environment

Midwives work in various settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, private practices, and clients' homes. They may work independently or as part of a healthcare team, and their work schedule can include nights, weekends, and on-call hours due to the unpredictable nature of childbirth.

Quick task list

Provides prenatal care, including monitoring the health of mother and fetus.
Assists during labor and delivery, offering support and ensuring a safe birth.
Offers postpartum care to mother and newborn, including breastfeeding support.
Educates and advises mothers on childbirth, newborn care, and reproductive health.
Collaborates with obstetricians and other healthcare professionals when necessary.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Home Birth Midwifery: Specializing in attending births in home settings.
Hospital Birth Midwifery: Working primarily in hospital settings, often in collaboration with obstetricians.
Community Midwifery: Providing care in community health centers and clinics, often focusing on underserved populations.
Educational Midwifery: Focusing on teaching and training future midwives.
Research in Midwifery: Conducting research to advance knowledge and practices in midwifery care.

Description

Midwifery is a profession that combines medical knowledge with a holistic approach to women's health, particularly during the childbearing cycle. Midwives are known for their personalized care, providing physical, emotional, and educational support to women and their families. They advocate for natural childbirth and aim to minimize unnecessary medical interventions while maintaining the safety and health of mother and baby.

The role of a midwife requires not only medical skills but also strong interpersonal and communication skills. They build close relationships with their clients, offering guidance and support throughout the pregnancy and beyond. This requires a deep understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of childbirth and postpartum care.

Midwives must be prepared for the unpredictable nature of childbirth, capable of making quick decisions in high-pressure situations. They work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care, and they play a crucial role in promoting positive birth experiences and maternal health.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The privilege of supporting women and families through the transformative experience of childbirth.
The ability to provide holistic, personalized care and build meaningful relationships with clients.
The satisfaction of promoting natural childbirth and empowering women in their health choices.

You might make a good Midwife if you are...

Passionate about women's health, particularly maternal and newborn care.
Empathetic and nurturing, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Comfortable with the physical and emotional aspects of childbirth.
Able to make quick, informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
Interested in a mix of hands-on clinical work and patient education.

Pros:

Deeply rewarding and impactful work.
Variety in work environments and scope of practice.
Strong sense of community and connection with clients.

Cons:

Physically and emotionally demanding work.
Unpredictable hours and the need to be on call.
Potential for high-stress situations during labor and delivery.

How to become a Midwife

Typical education

Becoming a midwife typically requires a Bachelor's degree in nursing or a related field, followed by a Master's degree in midwifery, which can take an additional 2-3 years. In total, approximately 6-7 years of post-secondary education is common.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Anatomy to understand human physiology.
Psychology to learn about emotional support and counseling techniques.
Health Sciences for a foundation in healthcare principles.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or community health organizations.
Joining clubs focused on health, science, or women's issues.
Participating in childbirth education or parenting classes, if available.

Preparation after high school

Complete a Bachelor's degree in nursing or a related health field.
Enroll in a Master's program in midwifery, accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).
Gain clinical experience through internships or apprenticeships in midwifery settings.
Obtain certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).

More resources

American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) - Offers resources, educational programs, and advocacy for midwives.
Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) - Provides information on accredited midwifery education programs.
American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) - The national certifying body for midwives in the United States.
Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) - A professional organization for all midwives, promoting education, advocacy, and diversity in midwifery.

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