What Is The Difference Between A Midwife And A Doula?

Midwives are trained medical professionals who provide care to pregnant women prenatally, during a birth, and postpartum, while doulas are certified to support the birthing family informationally, emotionally, and physically during those times. In a word, midwives catch and doulas coach.

Midwives typically fall into two different categories: Direct-Entry (sometimes called Licensed), and Certified Nurse Midwives. Licensed midwives have specific midwifery care training and are limited to working in homebirth and birth center settings. CNMs will typically also have hospital privileges and are able to deliver babies in a hospital setting as well.

Midwives and doulas both support women during birth, but that support looks different. A doula will not do a cervical check or take a blood pressure reading, but often a midwife will not come until mom is in active labor, while a doula will also provide early labor support.

While midwives and doulas have different scopes of practice, they work together as a cohesive team to ensure the best care for their clients and patients.

Christine Rogers is a birth doula and childbirth educator in Alaska, serving Anchorage, Eagle River and the Mat-Su Valley. A mom of four, she works hard to ensure every client she serves has a positive and empowering birth experience. She can be reached online at www.drawneardoula.com, or emailed directly at drawneardoula@gmail.com.

Looking for more birth planning resources? Check out my free Birth Preferences Worksheet and free Guide to Choosing A Care Provider!