Midwifery care is based on a respect for pregnancy as a state of health and childbirth as a normal physiologic process and a profound event in a woman’s life. Midwifery care respects the diversity of women’s needs and the variety of personal and cultural meanings which women, family and communities bring to the pregnancy, birth and early parenting experience. The maintenance and promotion of health throughout the childbearing cycle are central to midwifery care. Midwives focus on preventative care and the appropriate use of technology. Care is continuous, personalized and non-authoritarian. It responds to a woman’s social, emotional and cultural as well as physical needs. more... See more text