Doula vs Midwife: What?s the Difference?

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Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, you’re probably wondering how delivery will go. Many women today are choosing natural births at home and using as little medical intervention as they can. Doulas and midwives are just two alternatives to a birth in a hospital with an obstetrician. Here’s a look at the difference between a doula and a midwife.

Doula vs Midwife: Definitions
A doula is actually a birthing assistant that offers emotional and physical support during labor and birth. Basically, a doula offers help in a non-medical capacity. A midwife, on the other hand, is a qualified professional and is either registered or legally licensed to practice midwifery.

Doula vs Midwife: Duties of a Doula
Types of doulas include prenatal, childbirth and post-partum. Doulas typically help you with chores before your child is born and offer help during labor and birth. Post-partum doulas can offer services after the baby is born. A doula does not offer medical care in any way, but instead helps you understand the process and any possible complications. Doulas should be seen as a form of support, rather than medical assistance.

Doula vs Midwife: Duties of a Midwife
Midwifes may be direct-entry or certified nurse midwives. They’ll help take preventive measures, look for complications during labor and birth, assist with a normal birth, carry out any necessary emergency measures and get medical assistance if necessary. A nurse midwife can also write prescriptions and perform care for you, including prenatal and newborn care, labor care, gynecological exams, disease prevention and more. Most collaborate with a doctor, especially in risky pregnancies. A midwife will work to facilitate an uncomplicated pregnancy and advocate a natural birth that focuses on education and participation from the whole family.