What’s the Difference: Doula vs Midwife
To put it simply, doulas are birth coaches, and midwives are medical care providers.
In further detail though here’s some major differences.
Midwives:
regulated by the government
require multiple years of schooling and apprenticeship
answer to a governing body
provide medical advice and monitoring
have mandatory policies and procedures that they must follow
attend births at home & in hospital
manage birth and make sure to keep mother & baby’s medical safety first
may or may not physically and mentally coach you through birth
typically meet in office regularly before due date
have follow up care appointments up to 6 weeks
can range from a holistic care model to a heavily governed care model & work closely with OB’s & hospitals
have hospital “privilege's”
Doulas:
not currently regulated
may or may not have vocational training
are physical and mental support for both mother and support person/people before, during & after labour
can meet with you as many times as you like before you’re due (typically 1-2 times on average though)
provide prenatal education
are available any time to answer questions or concerns
typically can offer holistic remedies or recommendations
attend out of system births with or without Traditional Birth Attendants, homebirths, or hospital births, with midwives or OB’s
do not have “privilege’s” at hospitals
are not medical professionals
focus on informed consent & advocacy for preferences
some (not all) provide prenatal classes
some (not all) provide breastfeeding basics classics
offer continuous care for weeks after birth if you need it
can informally refer you to certified professionals
Different Doula’s have different preferences, and may or may not attend certain births based on their preferences of how and where they will support their clients.
Personally I am willing to support all birth from outside the system, all the way to caesarean birth.
If you want to know more, or are interested in booking a free 30 minute consultation, please reach out! I would love to hear from you!
Any questions? Comment below!
