The Biblical History of Midwifery: A Look at the Role of Midwives in Scripture

In a world that often feels fast-paced and medicalized, many mothers feel drawn to the gentle, nurturing roots of midwifery and home birth. For centuries, midwives have been entrusted with the sacred work of helping mothers bring new life into the world—work that finds its origin and honor in the pages of Scripture. Exploring the biblical history of midwifery reveals not only the profound role midwives played in God’s story but also reminds us of the reverence and care that accompany birth.
If you’re feeling called to a home birth, know that you’re part of a beautiful lineage of women who, like you, embraced faith, prayer, and the loving support of midwives in their birth journeys. Let’s take a look at the powerful examples of midwives in Scripture and how their roles can inspire us today.

Midwives in the Bible: Women of Faith and CourageThe Bible offers several instances where midwives played essential roles, reminding us that birth was always a revered event. From the earliest books, we see midwives positioned as guardians, advocates, and protectors for both mother and child.
1. Shiphrah and Puah: Midwives of Courage and Faith (Exodus 1:15-21)
One of the most powerful stories of midwifery in the Bible centers around two courageous women, Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives who served the Hebrew women in Egypt. During a time of oppression, Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill every male child born to the Israelites. But Shiphrah and Puah feared God more than Pharaoh and courageously defied his command, allowing the babies to live.
Their story is one of strength, reverence, and unwavering faith. They understood that birth was sacred, and they chose to honor God’s design for life, even at great personal risk. The Lord blessed them for their faithfulness, and through their actions, Moses—the leader of Israel’s liberation—was born and saved.
How This Inspires Us Today:
Shiphrah and Puah’s story reminds us that birth is a holy moment and that midwives are called to protect this sanctity. Choosing a midwife today is about trusting in God’s care for life and honoring a path that has been sacred since ancient times. It reminds us that our trust should be in God’s design, which midwives have always sought to uphold with love and compassion.

2. Rachel’s Midwife: Offering Comfort in Hardship (Genesis 35:16-20)
In Genesis, we read about Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, who experienced great difficulty in childbirth. As Rachel labored, she felt overwhelmed and fearful, and it was her midwife who comforted her, saying, “Don’t be afraid, for you have another son” (Genesis 35:17). Although Rachel’s story is marked by hardship, her midwife’s role is one of reassurance and kindness, reminding Rachel that God was still present in her difficult time.
How This Inspires Us Today:
Rachel’s midwife demonstrates that midwives are more than birth attendants—they are bearers of peace, offering words of comfort and hope even in life’s hardest moments. Her presence is a reminder that God’s love surrounds us, even when we feel fearful or overwhelmed. Choosing a midwife for a home birth allows for this kind of personal, compassionate care—a connection that can make all the difference in feeling supported during labor and delivery.

3. Tamar’s Midwives: Bearing Witness to God’s Miracle (Genesis 38:27-30)
In the story of Tamar, we encounter midwives who witnessed an unexpected turn of events during her delivery. Tamar was pregnant with twins, and as her labor progressed, the babies’ positions shifted, leading to the firstborn and second-born reversing order. Tamar’s midwives were not only present to ensure her safety but were also witnesses to God’s work in bringing new life into the world.
How This Inspires Us Today:
The midwives with Tamar witnessed firsthand the surprises and miracles that can happen in childbirth. Their story reminds us that birth is a time when we can experience God’s hand in unexpected ways. Midwives today still bear witness to these miracles, caring for mothers and children as they navigate one of life’s most precious moments.

The Biblical View of Midwifery and God’s Design for BirthIn each of these stories, midwives are shown as faithful, compassionate women, devoted to God’s design and to the safety of the mothers and babies they serve. Scripture places value on their work and highlights their importance in God’s plan, reminding us that midwifery is a sacred calling with ancient roots.
God’s design for childbirth has always been one of love, strength, and community. Choosing a home birth with a midwife is a way to embrace this design, experiencing birth in an environment where faith, family, and comfort are prioritized. Midwives bring not only their skills but also a sense of sacred stewardship over the birthing process, honoring God’s creation as new life comes into the world.

How Faith Guides Midwifery TodayFor mothers considering a home birth, the biblical history of midwifery provides a strong foundation of faith and trust in God’s presence during birth. Many modern midwives, especially in faith-centered practices, see their work as part of a larger calling to serve families and support them spiritually as well as physically. Just as in biblical times, today’s midwives strive to create a space of peace, respect, and faith in God’s wisdom.
Choosing a Midwife with a Heart for Faith:
In our Christian midwifery practice, we strive to reflect this legacy of compassion and faith. We believe that every birth is part of God’s story and deserves to be surrounded by love, prayer, and skilled, caring hands. From prenatal care to delivery, we walk beside you, offering not only medical support but a deep commitment to honoring God’s role in your family’s life.

We’d Love to Hear from You!What does the role of midwives in Scripture mean to you? Have you felt God’s presence in your birth journey, or are you praying for His guidance as you consider your birth options? Whether you’re planning a home birth or simply exploring your options, we’re here to offer support, encouragement, and prayer.
Share your thoughts, experiences, and questions in the comments below, and let’s create a community of faith-filled mothers celebrating the beautiful journey of birth together.

Heather Corbet LM, CPM

Heather is a home birth midwife who has been attending birth since 2012. She works in Southern California and has a heart for her community and love's teaching about birth.