The midwife gives care and advice to women during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. He/she is able to conduct deliveries on his/her own responsibility and to take care of the newborn and the infant, including preventive measures, to detect any potential health problems in the mother and child and to know when to call for medical assistance. Midwives are also involved with antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and for health counselling for women and their families and the wider community.