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The evolution of global midwifery education from ancient practices to modern standards.

Midwifery began as community-based care and has since evolved into a structured and regulated profession. This article traces the evolution of midwifery education, illustrating how it has developed across global and local contexts. In many high-income countries, midwifery education has become standa...

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Published in:British Journal of Midwifery Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 102 - 113
Main Authors: Asnawi, Damia Hazimah, Hashim, Sarena H, Abdul-Mumin, Khadizah H
Format: Journal Article
Published: Mark Allen Holdings Limited Feb2026
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
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      dt: Feb2026
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      pub: Mark Allen Holdings Limited
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        atl: The evolution of global midwifery education from ancient practices to modern standards.
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        au:
          Asnawi, Damia Hazimah
          Hashim, Sarena H
          Abdul-Mumin, Khadizah H
        affil: Midwifery Programme, Pengiran Anak Puteri Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam
      sug:
        subj:
          Education, Midwifery Trends
          History of Nursing
          World Health
          Copyright
          Publishing
          Communication
          Access to Information
          Serial Publications
          Rules and Regulations
          Professional Development
      ab: Midwifery began as community-based care and has since evolved into a structured and regulated profession. This article traces the evolution of midwifery education, illustrating how it has developed across global and local contexts. In many high-income countries, midwifery education has become standardised, ensuring midwives receive formal training and accreditation. However, disparities persist in low- and middle-income countries, where access to education, resources and professional recognition varies widely. Global organisations and national regulatory bodies have played a key role in shaping modern midwifery education, ensuring competency standards and professional accountability. Despite these advancements, midwives worldwide face workforce shortages, inconsistent regulations and barriers to full professional autonomy. Midwifery education must continue evolving by embracing new technologies, modernising curricula and advocating for stronger policies. By working towards global alignment in midwifery training and drawing lessons from Brunei Darussalam, all women can receive high-quality maternal and newborn care.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype: Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
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