Lay midwife


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Lay midwife


Lay midwives provide prenatal care and deliver babies outside of a traditional medical setting, such as in a birthing center or home. They may be affiliated with a doctor in case an emergency delivery occurs, but they are not supervised by a doctor.

Lay midwife training consists of an apprenticeship with an experienced midwife, workshops, and classes. Because a lay midwife does not have professional medical training and is not licensed or certified, he or she may have limited ability and technology for handling complications or sudden emergencies. Experience, training, and medical backup for emergencies are important factors to consider when contracting the services of a lay midwife.

Credits


Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

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Last updated: May 25, 2007
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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