A classmate just returned from an educational trip to a traditional culture. During her visit, she was surprised that fathers are not involved at all during the process of labor. Who is more likely to assist the mother through labor and delivery?

The correct answer is a midwife. In many cultures, the midwives are persons from the community trained formally or informally (training through experience provided by word or example) by other elder midwives. Many nations (Mexico as an example) had established formal training of these women, who assist during pregnancy and labor pregnant women. Nevertheless, the practice is not generalized in developed countries, commonly a midwife in the US is a trained nurse, specialized in gynecology and obstetrics and licensed to provide assistance during labor. Only in critical situations, the physicians will directly assist the labor or decide a surgical solution. Though, the family is allowed to stay during labor, it is not frequent yet that they get involve into the process.