Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
MIDWIFE
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English midwif, from mid with (from Old English) + wif woman
Date: 14th century
a person who assists women in childbirth, one that helps to produce or bring forth something,
II. transitive verb (midwifed or midwived; midwifing or midwiving)
Date: 1638
to assist in producing, bringing forth, or bringing about