Before training as a doula I often wondered what the differences were between a doula and a midwife. In many countries the role of a doula is held by close relatives, friends and people with in the community without even realising! Read below to understand the key difference and learn how a doula is a perfect addition to your birth circle.

The journey of pregnancy and childbirth is a profound experience, and having the right support can make all the difference. Two key figures in maternal care, midwives and doulas, play distinct roles in supporting you before, during, and after childbirth. While both are integral parts of the birthing process, understanding their differences can help you and your partner make informed decisions about your care. Read below to understand the unique roles and responsibilities of midwives and doulas, shedding light on their contributions to maternal health.

Key Differences Between Midwives and Doulas:

• Training and Credentials: Midwives undergo formal education and training to become licensed healthcare providers, while doulas are not medically trained and the training is typically focused on antenatal, pregnancy and postnatal  support.
• Scope of Practice: Midwives provide clinical care, including prenatal exams, labour management, and delivery, while doulas offer non-medical support and advocacy.
• Setting: Midwives are typically employed by the NHS or ore independent. They offer medical assistance during births in hospitals, birth centres, or homes. Doulas attend birth in the same location but may be called before a midwife to offer emotional and physical support in the early labour stages before it is time to call a midwife. Doulas stay for the duration of the birth and only leave once you ask them too. This is often after the midwifes have left.
• Cost: Midwifery services are often covered by the NHS (unless you employ an independent midwife. Doulas are self employed and as usually self funded. Some private medical insurance or employee benefit programs do include these so do check!
• Benefits of Working With Both:
• Comprehensive Support: Collaborating with both a midwife and a doula can provide you with a holistic approach to maternal care, addressing both medical and emotional needs.
• Your doula will generally arrive well before your midwife so having that continuity of care is invaluable.
• Increased Satisfaction: Research suggests that women who receive support from both doulas report higher satisfaction levels with their childbirth experiences.
• Reduced Intervention Rates: Studies have shown that the presence of a doula during labor can lead to lower rates of medical interventions, such as cesarean sections and epidurals.

Conclusion: Midwives and doulas play unique yet complementary roles in supporting expectant mothers throughout the childbirth journey. While midwives offer clinical expertise and medical care, doulas provide emotional support, comfort measures, and advocacy. Understanding the differences between these two professionals can empower expectant parents to make informed decisions about their maternal care options. Whether choosing a midwife, a doula, or both, the goal remains the same: to ensure a positive and empowering childbirth experience for every mother.