ljósmæður

Ljósmæður are midwives, health professionals who specialize in care related to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Their work focuses on supporting women through normal pregnancies and births, while recognizing and referring cases that require medical or surgical intervention. Ljósmæður provide prenatal assessments, monitor maternal and fetal well-being, offer counseling on nutrition, exercise, and birth planning, and guide families through the postpartum period, including infant feeding and newborn care. They support pain relief decisions during labor, help with positioning and comfort measures, monitor labor progression, and assist with the birth process. After delivery, they monitor recovery, provide breastfeeding support, and give guidance on newborn health and early parenting.

Ljósmæður work in a range of settings, including hospitals, birthing centers, and, where permitted, home birth environments. They typically collaborate closely with obstetricians, nurses, and pediatricians, and they refer individuals with high-risk pregnancies or complications to appropriate medical specialists. The emphasis in midwifery is on informed choice, individualized care, and evidence-based practices, with a focus on safety, respect for the mother’s preferences, and culturally sensitive support.

Training and regulation generally require completing a formal midwifery education program and obtaining licensure or registration to practice. Ongoing professional development and adherence to professional guidelines are common elements of the field. Across health systems, ljósmæður play a central role in maternity care, aiming to support healthy pregnancies and positive birth experiences.