matrona
/maˈtɾona/
The English phrase 'nurse midwife' is translated into Spanish as matrona.
Depending on the context, it can describe a midwife who is also a nurse or it can refer to a senior midwife who may not have a nursing background.
Which one should you use?
While matrona is a common term, it can specifically denote a senior midwife without a nursing background, whereas enfermera partera explicitly links the role to nursing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, a nurse midwife is commonly referred to as matrona, while in Mexico, the term enfermera partera is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word matrona is a feminine noun. The masculine form of the word is matrón.
How do you pronounce it?
/maˈtɾona/
Did you know?
- While matrona is the standard term in Spain, calling a midwife this in some Latin American countries might imply she is a folk healer rather than a licensed medical professional.
- In certain Spanish-speaking cultures, a matrona is viewed as a keeper of ancestral knowledge and a community leader rather than just a healthcare provider.
- In some historical contexts, the word matrona was used to describe a woman of high social standing or a 'matron' of a household, rather than a medical professional.
Examples in context
- Estoy buscando a una enfermera partera para el parto de mi bebé.I am looking for a nurse midwife for my baby's delivery.
- En el pueblo, la comadrona tiene una larga experiencia en partos naturales.In the village, the midwife has extensive experience in natural childbirths.
- La matrona del hospital proporciona atención especializada a las mujeres embarazadas.The hospital's matron provides specialized care for pregnant women.
- Ella trabaja como matrona en el hospital.She works as a midwife at the hospital.
- La matrona ayudó en el parto.The midwife helped with the birth.
- Necesitamos hablar con la matrona.We need to speak with the midwife.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at a maternity clinic.
- MateoMaría, ¿dónde está la matrona?María, where is the midwife?
- MaríaCreo que la matrona está revisando a la paciente.I think the midwife is checking the patient.
- MateoEspero que ella llegue pronto.I hope she arrives soon.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, ella es muy profesional.Don't worry, she is very professional.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry matrona, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
