In a newly released set of guidelines, WHO is encouraging the adoption of “midwifery models of care.” In plain terms? That means trusting midwives to be the main care providers throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum—not just during the birth, but for the whole journey.

And it turns out, this approach doesn’t just feel more human—it saves lives.

Midwifery-led care is all about building a relationship. Instead of seeing a rotating cast of providers, women are supported by a known midwife—or a small team of midwives—through every stage. The research is clear: when women feel safe and supported, they’re more likely to have healthy vaginal births, avoid unnecessary interventions, and report feeling more satisfied with their care.

“Skilled midwives help women trust in their bodies, their abilities, and their care,” says WHO’s midwifery expert Ulrika Rehnstrom Loi. “This kind of support can be life-changing.”

Despite advances in maternal care, the reality is sobering: every day, women and newborns still die from preventable complications, especially in under-resourced settings. And in more affluent countries, many births are now overly medicalized—caesarean sections, inductions, and interventions used as routine rather than when they’re truly needed.

This isn’t about vilifying hospitals or doctors. It’s about balance. The WHO’s guidance champions a model where midwives work independently but collaboratively—looping in doctors or specialists when complications arise, but centering the woman and her needs from start to finish.

And here’s the kicker: expanding access to skilled midwives could prevent over 60% of maternal and newborn deaths. That’s 4.3 million lives every year by 2035. Let that sink in.

What makes midwifery care different? It’s not just about how babies are born—it’s about how women are treated.

Midwives are trained to offer emotional support, comfort techniques, and education. They know when to encourage movement during labor, suggest alternate positions, or simply hold space when things feel overwhelming. They help women make informed decisions rather than pushing them toward a one-size-fits-all protocol.

That’s a big deal in a world where birth too often becomes something done to women instead of with them.

Of course, making this model a reality on a global scale takes more than good intentions. The WHO isn’t just asking for a cultural shift—it’s calling for political commitment, proper funding, and strong regulation so that midwives are well-trained, well-supported, and integrated into national health systems.

The guidance outlines several ways countries can make the switch:

This push isn’t just about reducing statistics; it’s about helping more women feel heard, respected, and empowered in one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

Anna Ugglas, CEO of the International Confederation of Midwives, sums it up best: “Midwifery models of care are not just smart solutions—they are a necessity. They restore dignity and autonomy to maternity care and ensure safety for women and newborns everywhere.”

As the world wrestles with both gaps in access and the risks of excessive medical intervention, midwifery offers a refreshingly balanced approach. No less care. Just better care.

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