Why is Socrates labeled as an intellectual midwife?

Socrates saw his role as helping others give birth to their own thoughts and ideas through questioning and dialogue, much like a midwife helps bring forth new life. He did not claim to possess knowledge himself, but rather sought to stimulate critical thinking and self-discovery in his interlocutors. Thus, he is often referred to as an "intellectual midwife" for his method of guiding others to a deeper understanding of their own beliefs.