Midwife
/ˈmɪdˌwaɪf/noun
A person, typically a woman, trained to assist in childbirth.
Did you know?The word 'midwife' historically meant 'with woman', revealing the deep communal and magical support surrounding childbirth in ancient cultures.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*midwīfō
“A woman who assists in childbirth.”
Old English
OE
midwif
“A woman who is present at birth.”
Middle English
ME
midwyf
“A woman who helps in childbirth.”
Modern English
English
midwife
“A trained professional assisting in deliveries.”