You are pregnant and beginning to pull together your Birth Team, yet you’re unclear about the difference between a Doula and a Midwife! You’re not the only one. In fact most people think that the two are one and the same, when in fact the two are similar in one aspect and very different in another. Let’s look at the two professions.
The name Doula is a Greek word which means a female helper or servant. It is good to note that not all Doula’s are female, some are male.
A Doula (also known as a Birth Sister, Birth Buddy, Birth Companion and a Labor Coach, the term used before the name Doula came about) is a non-medical companion who can offer you emotional, information, hands on support, guidance and advocacy during labor, childbirth and the postpartum period.
A Midwife (most often a woman) is trained and skilled to assist women throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. It is an old English word which means “with woman”.
A midwife brings the comfort and skills of a Doula, however she/he offers more care coming from the Midwifery Model of Care. Many midwives offer emotional support, information, and physical comfort during pregnancy and birth, but her main focus will always be the physical health and safety of you and your baby. Throughout the prenatal period, your midwife will counsel you on prenatal diet and nutrition. She may recommend prenatal vitamins, super foods and herbs that supports a healthy pregnancy. Your midwife will recommend prenatal labs, and perhaps other diagnostics tests if necessary. In labor, she will take measurements, and perform clinical tasks such as your vitals signs and baby’s heart tones. Your midwife may perform internal examinations and cervical checks, and will oversee the progress and safety of your labor, birth and immediate postpartum. She offers space for her partner to involved. A Doula does not perform these clinical tasks.
Typically, Midwives do not provide face-to-face support during early labor unless requested or as deemed necessary. Often, a midwife does not come to you until you are in active labor. If you desire support and comfort in early labor, a doula may come to you as soon as you request her assistance. However, in most cases, the mother and her partner can manage early labor very well on their own. Both Midwife and Doula are typically by your side during active labor. When labor becomes active, both the Doula and Midwife complement one another in serving the mother offering a balance of emotional and physical support and guidance in a holistic way.
When birth gets complicated, the roles of a midwife and a doula are clear. Should complications arise while you are giving birth, your midwife will be focused on maintaining you and your baby’s physical health and safety. If complications call on the need of a physician, the Midwife will contact the doctor to take over.
The two together can complement one another and work hand to make a perfect dual for your upcoming birth!
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