What Do Midwife Assistants Do?

A headshot of Carolyn Denning, a certified nurse midwife at Haven Birth and Wellness.
Carolyn Denning, CNM, MSN
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February 4, 2025
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When it comes to home births, safety and support are always at the forefront of our considerations. One essential element of a safe and empowering birth is having two trained medical professionals present. At Haven Birth and Wellness, we proudly include Registered Nurses as midwife assistants on our birth teams to ensure every family feels supported and cared for during one of life’s most significant moments.

A midwife assistant, also called a “birth assistant” in our community, provides skilled, compassionate support during labor, birth, and postpartum recovery. Let’s explore what midwife assistants do and why they’re such an integral part of the birth team.

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What Do Midwife Assistants Do?

A midwife assistant is a vital member of the medical team at every birth. They work hand-in-hand with the midwife to ensure everything runs smoothly and that mother and baby are monitored and supported every step of the way. Their responsibilities include:

  • Labor Support and Monitoring: Midwife assistants help monitor the health of both mother and baby during labor. They might check vitals, assist with medical tasks, and provide additional labor support as needed. Their steady presence can make a big difference during challenging moments.
  • Set-Up and Clean-Up: From preparing the birth space to tearing down and cleaning up afterward, midwife assistants ensure the midwife has everything she needs and that the family can focus on their new arrival.
  • Postpartum Care: After the baby is born, midwife assistants remain actively involved. They help with immediate postpartum checks, monitoring recovery, and offering extra medical support if needed. They work closely with the midwife to ensure both mother and baby are stable and comfortable.
  • Transfers and Emergencies: In the rare case of a transfer to a hospital, midwife assistants step in to keep the process seamless. If a medical situation requires separation of mom and baby, having a midwife assistant present ensures that a medical professional remains with both parties, maintaining a continuous thread of care and support.

Midwife assistants are much more than just “extra hands”; they’re knowledgeable medical professionals with a deep understanding of normal birth. As a midwife, I lean on my midwife assistants for their expertise and as a second set of eyes to provide a safety net of support.

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How Are Midwife Assistants Different From Doulas?

Both midwife assistants and doulas play crucial roles in births, but their focus and training differ:

  • Doulas: A doula provides emotional and physical support throughout labor, helping mom with comfort measures, encouragement, and maintaining a calming environment. They aren’t part of the medical team and don’t perform medical tasks.
  • Midwife Assistants: Midwife assistants are part of the medical team. While they also offer emotional support, their primary role is to assist with medical tasks such as monitoring vital signs, supporting the midwife in clinical care, and understanding normal, physiologic birth. Their medical expertise complements the midwife’s, facilitating both safety and holistic support.

Both roles are incredibly valuable, and many midwife assistants begin their journey as doulas. This experience gives them a unique perspective on supporting families during birth.

How to Become a Midwife Assistant

Becoming a midwife assistant involves specialized training and a commitment to ongoing education. At Haven, we work exclusively with registered nurses (RNs) as midwife assistants because of their strong medical backgrounds. Outside of our practice, the path to becoming a midwife assistant can vary:

  • Apprenticeships: Many midwives train their own assistants through hands-on apprenticeships.
  • Certification Courses: Dedicated programs offer certification in birth assistance, teaching essential skills for the role.
  • Required Certifications: Midwife assistants must maintain specific certifications, such as neonatal resuscitation (NRP) and CPR, to ensure they’re prepared to handle emergencies and provide high-quality care.

Why Midwife Assistants Matter for Safe Home Births

Many factors contribute to safe and successful home births, and having two medical professionals present is one of the most critical. For instance, neonatal resuscitation guidelines require a minimum of two trained individuals — a guideline that Haven always follows. This dual presence is invaluable in the rare case of an emergency.

With a midwife assistant on the team, families can rest assured that someone is always present to support both mom and baby. The skill set and knowledge of this medical professional are key elements in making home births a safe and positive experience.

A Final Word on Midwife Assistants

Midwife assistants play an irreplaceable role in home births, bringing expertise, compassion, and a second set of skilled hands to every birth. Whether they’re monitoring vitals, assisting with postpartum care, or stepping in during emergencies, their presence supports the safety and well-being of both mother and baby.

At Haven, we deeply value our midwife assistants and the essential support they provide. If you’re considering home birth with Haven, know that you’ll have not just one but two trained medical professionals by your side, offering the care and respect you deserve.

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A headshot of Carolyn Denning, a certified nurse midwife at Haven Birth and Wellness.
Carolyn Denning, CNM, MSN

Carolyn Denning, a midwife at Haven Birth and Wellness, grew up in the suburbs of Detroit and earned a degree in Human Physiology from Michigan State University. Her passion for supporting women through pregnancy led her to midwifery, starting as a doula while completing her nursing degree. She gained valuable experience as a Pediatric Emergency and Labor and Delivery nurse at Vanderbilt.Carolyn and her husband, Dustin, served as missionaries in South Africa, where she supported pregnant women and experienced her own transformative home birth. She is a proud mother of two girls, Levy and Josie, and enjoys traveling, exploring nature, and learning about different cultures.

Disclaimer: The content on the Haven Birth and Wellness website is created and/or reviewed by qualified Certified Nurse Midwives and healthcare professionals. We strive to provide accurate and detailed information for our readers. However, this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Your own healthcare provider is best equipped to understand your unique situation and medical history. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any decisions that may affect your health.