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Midwifery: Myths and Realities
Published July 17, 2025
Not sure what midwives really do? Certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives provide expert care for pregnancy, birth, and routine health needs like primary care, gynecologic exams, contraception, and menopause support. Here are common myths about midwifery — and the facts.
Myth 1: Midwives only attend home births.
Reality: Most certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) practice in hospitals and birth centers, and many work in academic medical centers and large health systems. Midwives attend births wherever people choose to give birth—and are skilled at supporting safe, evidence-based care in all settings.
Myth 2: You only see a midwife if you're pregnant.
Reality: Midwives provide care well beyond pregnancy and birth. They are trained to offer primary care, gynecologic exams, contraception counseling, STI testing, menopause support, and more throughout the lifespan.
Myth 3: Midwives aren’t medically trained.
Reality: CNMs and CMs are graduate-educated health professionals who complete rigorous academic and clinical training, pass national board exams, and maintain professional certification. They are licensed, regulated providers who often work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare team members.
Myth 4: Midwifery care is less safe than physician care.
Reality: Research shows that midwifery care is associated with fewer interventions, lower rates of cesarean birth, and excellent outcomes for parents and babies, especially when integrated into the broader healthcare system. Midwives are experts in supporting physiologic birth while recognizing and responding to complications when they arise.
Myth 5: Midwifery is an outdated or fringe profession.
Reality: Midwifery is a growing, modern, evidence-based profession that plays a vital role in addressing maternal health disparities and improving access to care. In many countries, midwives are the standard of care for most pregnancies, and the U.S. is working to expand access to midwifery to meet critical health care needs.
Myth 6: Only women can be midwives.
Reality: Midwifery is an inclusive profession open to people of all genders. While the majority of midwives have historically been women, people of all gender identities — including men, trans, and nonbinary individuals — can and do become excellent midwives. The profession values diversity and welcomes those who are committed to providing respectful, person-centered care.
Myth 7: Choosing a midwife will limit your maternity care options.
Reality: Choosing a midwife often expands your options. Midwives offer a full range of maternity care services and support shared decision-making, so you can choose the birth setting, pain management strategies, and care preferences that are right for you. Midwives collaborate with physicians and other specialists when needed, ensuring you have access to the full spectrum of care.
By Jennifer Guay, DNP, CNM, and Peter Gustave-Johnson, CNM, PhD, BS, '81, FACNM, FAAN