"a woman who assists women in childbirth," c. 1300, literally "woman who is 'with' " (the mother at birth), from Middle English mid "with" (see mid (prep.)) + wif "woman" (see wife). Cognate with German Beifrau.
midsummer
midterm
midtown
midway
Midwest
midwife
midwifery
midwinter
mien
miff
miffed