The Difference Between a Doula and a Midwife

If you’re like us, you love the idea of having a doula and a midwife around for your pregnancy… but you’re not exactly sure why. Do I need one? Both? Neither? What are their specific duties? Fear no more. Your comprehensive guide to doulas and midwives is right here. We want to help you decide what’s best for you and your pregnancy plan.

Doula

What is a doula?

A doula is a man or woman, likely without official obstetric (the branch of medicine that pertains to childbirth) training, that is brought in to offer emotional and physical support for a woman throughout her entire pregnancy and often during the postpartum period, as well. Basically, a hype man for the most difficult job in the world. 

What should I look for in a doula?

A doula should be well versed in medical lingo and procedures so that they can translate what may be happening in the delivery room to the mama and her partner. They are often the middle man between the doctor and the woman giving birth. An optimal doula is someone who is calm under pressure and can hold space for the mother’s emotions, distress, and pain, making sure their own emotions aren’t getting in the way. They should also create a space of non-judgment and certainly not impose their own beliefs around pregnancy on their client. In other words, your doula should have their sh*t together. 

Where do I find a doula?

Finding a doula can be as simple as asking around between friends and family. This method will help you get a sense of the doula’s personality and disposition which may not be able to be explained on paper. Another great source for finding a doula is DONA International: a doula certification program that also has a database of doulas available for hire. 

Midwife

What is a midwife?

A midwife is a man or woman who supports a woman during pregnancy but unlike a doula, a midwife has professional certification and training akin to that of a nurse. They are especially valuable for a home birth. A midwife is recommended for healthy women who want very little intervention in their birth and have no stated or intended complications. Their qualifications, however, do not replace those of an obstetrician or a perinatologist (a maternal-fetal medical specialist).

What should I look for in a midwife?

There are several levels of certifications a midwife can have. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are professional nurses with a specialty in midwifery. Certified midwives (CMs) are non-nurse midwives who have completed an official midwifery program that requires a national examination to pass. Certified professional midwives (CPMs) have also passed the national exam and have extensive experience with childbirth outside of the hospital. And finally, lay midwives are not officially certified and have received less formal training. The level of midwife you’ll want to hire depends on the kind of birth and the amount of intervention you’re looking for. 

Where do I find a midwife?

You can find a midwife by becoming involved in your local birth center. Alternatively, Mothers Naturally is a great hub to find a midwife as well as reading birth stories. 

Still not sure about whether a doula or midwife is the best option for your labor journey? Read our article about a Hybrid Midwife, and how the support they give could be the best option for you. Read here!