Midwives and Doulas. Same Objective. Very Different Roles
Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most special and profound moments in a mother’s life. It calls for expert care, emotional support, and a deep understanding of both the physical and emotional aspects of birth. When exploring birth options, you’ll often hear the terms “Midwife” and “Doula.” While both play essential roles in supporting you during childbirth, they serve distinct purposes, with different training, scope of care, and focus. The great news? They complement each other beautifully, and many birthing individuals choose to have both on their birth team!
Let’s break down the key differences between Midwives and Doulas so you can feel confident in choosing the right support for your birth journey.
What is a Midwife?
A Midwife is a licensed healthcare professional specializing in women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Midwives are advanced practice practitioners with specialized midwifery training; they can monitor, assess, diagnose and treat. They are well-equipped to manage low-risk pregnancies, provide comprehensive care, handle certain complications, and even assist in more complex scenarios alongside physicians. Midwives can work in hospitals, doctor’s offices, birth centers and/or in homes.
Education and Certification
To become a Midwife, one must first complete an accredited midwifery program and earn relevant academic degrees, pass a national certification exam, and obtain state licensure through the Medical Board or Nursing Board. Additionally, midwives must maintain Neonatal Resuscitation and Life Support certifications, and credentials through ongoing education.
Role and Scope of Practice
Midwives provide medical care throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum, as well as preventative care during the reproductive life-cycle. They can manage low-risk pregnancies independently and are trained to handle emergencies when needed. Midwives can administer medications, perform diagnostic tests, and conduct gynecological/physical exams. While they don’t perform cesarean sections, some Midwives can assist in them in the hospital, and work closely with physicians if a high-risk situation arises.
Focus of Care
Midwives blend medical expertise with a personalized approach to care, focusing on the health and well-being of both the birthing person and baby. Their holistic view ensures that the birth experience is safe and empowering, with a focus on both the clinical and emotional aspects of care. The Midwifery Model of Care is based on the idea that pregnancy and birth are normal, physiological life processes, and not a disorder, illness or injury. Other key aspects of The Midwifery Model of Care are the use of informed decision-making (making decisions together after discussing risks and benefits), and minimizing technology and unnecessary interventions (natural, unmedicated birth is more common).
What is a Doula?
A Doula is a trained birth companion who provides emotional, physical, and informational support throughout your pregnancy, labor, and early postpartum. Unlike Midwives, Doulas don’t provide medical care. Their primary role is to enhance the birth experience by advocating for your preferences and offering continuous comfort measures during labor.
Education and Certification
Doulas undergo specialized training in childbirth education, comfort techniques, and effective communication with healthcare providers. While the training process isn’t as formal or lengthy as that of a Midwife, reputable organizations such as DONA International and CAPPA offer certification programs. Doulas are trained in emotional support, physical comfort strategies (like breathing techniques and massage), and how to advocate for the birthing person’s wishes.
Role and Scope of Practice
Doulas provide non-medical support. They meet with you during pregnancy to discuss your birth plan, build trust, and address any concerns. During labor, they offer continuous hands-on comfort and emotional reassurance, helping to create a positive and empowering birth environment. Studies show that having a Doula’s support can lead to better birth outcomes, including fewer interventions like cesareans or epidurals.
Focus of Care
Doulas focus on your emotional well-being. They are there to ensure you feel heard, supported, and empowered every step of the way. By offering a calm presence and practical comfort techniques, Doulas help birthing individuals manage pain naturally, navigate labor, and feel in control of their birth experience.
Key Differences Between a Midwife and a Doula
Although both Midwives and Doulas are vital to your birth experience, their roles differ:
Medical Expertise vs. Non-Medical Support
- Midwives are trained medical professionals who manage prenatal care, labor, and delivery. They can administer and usually prescribe medications, handle complications, and ensure the medical well-being of both the birthing person and baby.
- Doulas do not provide medical care. Their focus is emotional, physical, and informational support, offering hands-on comfort and advocating for your birth plan.
Scope of Practice
- Midwives provide comprehensive medical care, including physical exams, diagnostic tests, ultrasounds, and labor and complication management.
- Doulas offer continuous emotional and physical support, helping you manage labor pain naturally and ensuring your preferences are respected.
Education and Training
- Midwives undergo years of medical training, and are licensed and certified healthcare providers.
- Doulas complete shorter, more focused training on birth support, comfort measures, and advocacy, with no medical responsibilities.
Collaboration vs. Support
- Midwives often work closely with obstetricians and other healthcare providers, especially in cases where medical intervention is necessary.
- Doulas collaborate with the birthing person, ensuring your voice is heard and respected but do not provide medical care or work as part of the clinical team.
Location of Services
- Midwives can work in hospitals, birth centers, and/or at home births, depending on the birthing person’s preference and medical needs.
- Doulas support birthing individuals in any birth setting—whether in a hospital, birth center, or home—providing the same unwavering support wherever you choose to birth.
Why Choose Both?
The wonderful thing is that choosing between a Midwife and a Doula isn’t an “either-or” decision! In fact, many birthing individuals have both. A Midwife ensures your medical needs are met while a Doula offers emotional and physical comfort, helping you feel empowered and supported throughout your entire birth journey. Together, they create a safe, nurturing, and deeply personal birth experience.
At South Coast Midwifery, we’re here to make your birth experience as personalized and serene as possible. As Orange County’s first accredited birth center, we take pride in offering both Midwives and assistance in finding the perfect Doula to support your birth plan. Whether you’re looking for holistic prenatal care or need help arranging the perfect birth team, we’ve got you covered with expert care and unwavering support.
