What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A doula provides emotional and physical support for the pregnant person and partner during labor. Doulas know about medical procedures and can provide information and education. They are also trained in relaxation methods and tools such as massage, acupressure, helpful position changes, and use of a rebozo.

Midwives on the other hand, are the most expert care providers for low risk pregnancies and normal births. Midwives monitor the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of the pregnant client , newborn, and family throughout the maternity care cycle. There is a wide variation of what is normal for pregnancy and birth. Midwives understand this and also know when a person is no longer in the healthy, low-risk category, and need increased monitoring or assessment. During labor, midwives encourage eating and drinking, movement, position changes, and intermittent monitoring of the baby with a hand held doppler (which is the gold standard for low risk clients). Midwives encourage skin-to-skin contact with the mother and baby, which causes breastfeeding. After the baby is born, midwives are trained to provide well-baby care for the first six weeks of life.

Are you wondering which would be best for you? Contact us to set up a free consultation. We’d be happy to provide you with more information!