ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Nurse midwife

A nurse midwife is a special kind of nurse who helps mommies have babies. They help mommies before, during, and after the baby is born. Sometimes mommies need a little extra help when they have a baby, and that's where nurse midwives come in.

Nurse midwives know a lot about how babies grow inside mommies' bellies, how to make mommies comfortable during labor, and they know how to help mommies take good care of their new babies.

When mommies first find out they're having a baby, nurse midwives help them understand what will happen as the baby grows and how to stay healthy. They teach mommies about good food to eat, what kind of exercise is safe, and how to take care of their bodies.

When it's time for the baby to be born, nurse midwives are there to help. They know how to help mommies feel as comfortable as possible while they have the baby. They can offer pain medicine or natural ways to make mommy feel better.

After the baby is born, nurse midwives help mommies take care of their new babies. They check to make sure the baby is growing and healthy, and they teach mommies how to feed and take care of their new baby.

So a nurse midwife is like a very special helper who takes care of mommies and their new babies when they need a little extra help.