Definition of Traditional midwife

Traditional midwife: A direct-entry midwife practicing within the confines of traditional folk medicine. Traditional midwives are now very rare in the US, but preside over the majority of births in many other countries. Most have no formal medical training, but instead learned as an apprentice or through direct experience.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=40492
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012