midwifery means the practice and science of being a midwife. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 76 out of 100.
midwifery is pronounced /mɪdˈwɪfəɹi/.
Why “midwifery” is a great word
MIDWIFERY — [Noun] The practice, science, or profession of assisting women in childbirth. From Middle English medewifry, a hybrid formation from midwife (itself from Old English mid "with" + wif "woman") + the suffix -ery (denoting a practice or condition). First attested in the late 15th century. Unlike obstetrics, which denotes the medical-surgical specialty, or gynecology, which focuses broadly on reproductive health, midwifery centers on a holistic and non-interventive model of care. It is the steady pressure of a hand in the dark, the low murmur measuring a contraction's crest, the patient vigil for a body's own deep knowledge to complete its work—an ancient testament that the most profound transitions require not mastery, but witness.
Etymology
From Middle English medewifry; equivalent to midwife + -ery.
noun
- The practice and science of being a midwife.