The field of midwifery, which encompasses the provision of prenatal care, childbirth support, and postpartum care, is set for significant expansion and transformation in the coming years. As practitioners who adopt a holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth, midwives have long prioritized the health of both mother and newborn, while also placing emphasis on the emotional, mental, and social aspects of care. This comprehensive model of care is increasingly being recognized as an essential component of the healthcare ecosystem. Indeed, the role of the midwife is projected to become more complex, multidimensional, and pivotal in the future.

Forecasts for the future of midwifery are driven by several factors, including demographic shifts, technological advancements, evolving healthcare policies, and growing awareness regarding the importance of individualized, women-centered care. For instance, the increasing acceptance of different family structures and the rise of single-parent or same-sex households necessitate a more flexible and inclusive approach to midwifery. This is coupled with a growing demand for midwives to cater to the needs of diverse cultural and social groups, thereby enhancing the accessibility and suitability of their services.

The escalating integration of technology into healthcare is also set to influence midwifery significantly. Telemedicine, in particular, offers immense potential for remote consultations, monitoring and support. It not only overcomes geographical constraints but also allows for real-time communication and collaboration between midwives, expecting mothers, and other healthcare providers. Nevertheless, the advent of digital health technology also introduces new challenges in terms of data privacy, ethical considerations, and the digital divide - factors that midwives must navigate adeptly.

Furthermore, advancements in genomics and personalized medicine are likely to shape the future of midwifery. As genetic screening, testing and counseling become increasingly commonplace, midwives will need to be equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to guide expecting mothers through these complex processes. This builds on the concept of risk stratification, wherein personalized health risk assessments can facilitate tailored interventions and preemptive care.

Changes in healthcare policies and regulations are also projected to impact the midwifery landscape. For instance, the push towards value-based care necessitates an outcome-focused approach, wherein midwives' performance is gauged based on the health outcomes they achieve rather than the volume of services they provide. This paradigm shift will require midwives to adopt evidence-based practices and to engage in continual learning and skill development.

The drive towards integrated care also affords increased opportunities for collaboration between midwives and other healthcare providers. The burgeoning recognition of midwives as key players in the healthcare team underscores the need for interdisciplinary cooperation, information sharing, and mutual respect.

Amid these evolving trends, the underlying ethos of midwifery remains rooted in the provision of empathetic, women-centered care. This necessitates an understanding of the psychosocial aspects of health, demonstrating cultural competency, and fostering strong patient-provider relationships. Indeed, the future midwife is envisioned as an empowered practitioner who is capable of seamlessly integrating modern technology and evidence-based medicine into their practice while upholding the fundamental values of their profession.

In conclusion, the future of midwifery is poised for exciting growth and diversification, driven by socio-cultural, technological, and regulatory trends. While the journey ahead poses its share of challenges, it also presents immense opportunities for midwives to redefine their role, broaden their scope, and contribute even more significantly to the wellbeing of women and newborns. As the tides of change continue to shape the contours of this profession, the essence of midwifery - the commitment to compassionate, holistic, and individualized care - remains a steadfast beacon, guiding the profession into the future.