jordmor

A jordmor is a trained health professional who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. The core role is to support people through pregnancy, monitor the health of mother and fetus, assess risk factors, and help plan for a safe birth. During labor and delivery, they supervise normal births, provide continuous physical and emotional support, monitor progress, and manage newborn care after birth. They work in hospitals, birth centers, and, when permitted, in homes, and they coordinate with other health professionals as needed. For complicated or high-risk pregnancies, they refer to obstetricians or other specialists and participate as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Education and regulation: Jordmødre typically complete a formal midwifery education and obtain licensure or registration in accordance with national or regional rules. Training emphasizes prenatal care, labor and birth management, postpartum support, lactation counseling, and neonatal assessment. Scope of practice and eligibility requirements vary by country.

History and contemporary role: In Norway and other Nordic countries, the jordmor is a traditional term for the professional midwife. Historically, midwives served as primary birth attendants in communities. In modern healthcare systems, midwifery is a regulated profession that emphasizes evidence-based care, continuity of care, and collaboration with physicians, nurses, and pediatricians to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.