Resources

Midwives: Advancing Reproductive Health Across India

Midwives play a vital role in improving reproductive health and ensuring safer pregnancy outcomes for women, gender-diverse individuals, and newborns. Their expertise, compassion, and community-based approach are central to building a healthier and more equitable future.

To support midwives and strengthen the profession, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) has developed global tools and resources to help associations— including the Midwifery Practitioners Association, India — educate, deploy, regulate, and sustain the midwifery workforce.

Explore global standards, core competencies, regulatory frameworks, and implementation guidelines below.

Official TOR by Government of Rajasthan: Scope of Practice and Implementation of Nurse Practitioner Midwives (NPMs)
Official TOR by Government of Rajasthan: Scope of Practice and Implementation of Nurse Practitioner Midwives (NPMs)

The Official Terms of Reference (TOR) issued by the Government of Rajasthan outlines the framework for the implementation of Nurse Practitioner Midwives (NPMs) within the state’s public health system. The document defines the scope of practice, roles, responsibilities, and operational guidelines for NPMs working in Midwifery-Led Care Units (MLCUs) and other maternal health service settings. This TOR aims to strengthen maternal and newborn health services by empowering trained NPMs to provide evidence-based, respectful, and woman-centered care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. It also establishes guidelines for clinical practice, supervision, referral mechanisms, and integration of midwifery services within Rajasthan’s healthcare facilities. The implementation supports the Government of India’s Midwifery Initiative, ensuring improved quality of care, promotion of physiological childbirth, and enhanced maternal and neonatal health outcomes across the state of Rajasthan.

Courtesy: Govt Of Rajasthan

Scope of Practice for Midwifery Educators and Nurse Practitioner Midwives
Scope of Practice for Midwifery Educators and Nurse Practitioner Midwives

The Scope of Practice for Midwifery Educators and Nurse Practitioner Midwives (NPMs) outlines the professional roles, responsibilities, and competencies required for midwifery educators and practicing nurse practitioner midwives in India. The document defines the standards for clinical care, education, mentorship, and leadership in midwifery practice. These guidelines aim to strengthen midwifery services by ensuring that midwifery educators and NPMs are equipped to provide evidence-based maternal and newborn care, support midwifery education programs, and promote respectful maternity care. By clearly defining the scope of practice, the document supports the development of a competent and autonomous midwifery workforce within the healthcare system.

Courtesy: NHM Govt of India

Guidelines on Operationalization of Midwifery Units
Guidelines on Operationalization of Midwifery Units

The Guidelines on Operationalization of Midwifery Units provide a comprehensive framework for establishing and managing Midwifery-Led Care Units (MLCUs) within healthcare facilities in India. The document outlines the standards, infrastructure requirements, staffing patterns, and operational protocols needed to ensure high-quality, respectful, and evidence-based maternity care. These guidelines aim to strengthen maternal and newborn health services by promoting midwife-led models of care, enhancing the role of professional midwives, and improving access to safe childbirth services. The operationalization of midwifery units supports physiological childbirth, continuity of care, and a woman-centered approach to maternity services.

Courtesy: NHM Govt of India

Mentoring Guidelines for Midwifery Educators and Nurse Practitioner Midwives
Mentoring Guidelines for Midwifery Educators and Nurse Practitioner Midwives

The Mentoring Guidelines for Midwifery Educators and Nurse Practitioner Midwives (NPMs) provide a structured framework to strengthen mentoring systems within midwifery education and clinical practice in India. The document outlines key principles, roles, and responsibilities of mentors and mentees to support the professional growth, leadership development, and clinical competence of Nurse Practitioner Midwives. These guidelines aim to enhance the quality of midwifery education and practice by promoting supportive supervision, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning. By establishing effective mentoring relationships, the guidelines contribute to building a strong cadre of skilled midwives capable of providing respectful, evidence-based maternal and newborn care.

Courtesy: NHM Govt of India

Guidelines on Midwifery Services in India
Guidelines on Midwifery Services in India

The Guidelines on Midwifery Services in India provide a comprehensive framework for strengthening midwifery-led care within the country’s health system. The document outlines the roles, competencies, and scope of practice for professional midwives, along with standards for education, training, regulation, and service delivery. These guidelines aim to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes by promoting respectful maternity care, evidence-based practices, and the integration of midwifery services within public health facilities. The document supports the development of skilled midwifery professionals and encourages the establishment of midwifery-led care units across India.

Courtesy: NHM Govt of India