Scrunchi Mama

Aren’t they the same thing? Many new and expecting parents believe that these two professionals are the same and that you only need one or the other. As they do have many of the same views on birth they serve different purposes during labor.

What is a Doula? A Doula is a professional support person who helps the mother and the partner emotionally, physically, and spiritually during labor and childbirth.

What is a Midwife? A Midwife is a trained, medical professional who cares for the mother and the newborn during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth.

What do they have in common?

They both work with pregnant women and their partners. Midwives often begin care when you are 6-8 weeks pregnant, which is when you would schedule your first prenatal appointment. Many moms choose an Obstetrician because of the lack of knowledge about Midwives, but we will talk about that another time. Midwife care usually ends at 6 weeks postpartum when you go in for a postpartum appointment to check how you are healing and handling postpartum. Doula care starts when ever you book your first consultation! The earlier the better but some moms decide at 38 weeks that they want a doula and can usually find one with a spot open. It is always a good idea to plan in advance so that your Doula can get you on her calendar and make a plan for your birth. I would say early third trimester is the perfect sweet spot. Birth doula care normally ends a couple hours after birth with a week postpartum follow up, unless you are using postpartum services as well.

They listen to what you want for your birth experience. Midwives and Doulas are there to support you and listen to what you want. If you want the lights dimmed, you got it. You don’t want cervical checks? You got it! You want to push your baby out on all fours? You got it! More times than not they will do everything to make that happen for you. They can also be very empathetic and agree with many different views on certain topics and they won’t judge you if they don’t agree. They will give you the information you need to make the best decision for you.

They are both associated with natural, unmedicated births. When you hear Midwife or Doula you think hippie birthing don’t you? Many people associate these professionals with water births, squatting, no epidurals, and home births. While this is mostly true they will still support you no matter where or how you give birth. Doulas and midwives are there to support you and only you on how you want your birth experience. You are the leader!

How are they different?

A Doula is NOT a medical professional. Doulas DO NOT perform clinical tasks like taking your blood pressure, cervical checks, and taking vitals. Doulas also do not catch your baby. Their sole purpose is to support you and your partner during labor through all kinds of different comfort measures. A doula can offer you information about tests and medications but only a doctor or midwife can carry those tests out. Midwives are the medical professional who will check your vitals, provide medical prenatal appointments, and catch your baby! Many midwives also offer emotional and physical support much like a doula but their sole purpose is the physical health of you and your baby.

Doulas and Midwives most often come in at different stages of labor. Your midwife most likely will not be present at your birth, no matter where you plan to give birth, until you are in active labor. They may also be in and out of the room. On the other hand your doula may be present throughout your entire labor. Depending on you and your doula, you may want them to be present from the moment you know you are in labor or some may wait until active labor. They will also be with you the entire time to support you. If your doula has been with you for 24 hours and you still have a while to go, they may go home to get a couple hours rest if you decide that is best.

Do I need both?

You can choose to have both, neither, or just one or the other. It is completely up to you and your partner what provider you would like to see and if you want a doula or not. If you took the childbirth classes and you feel informed enough then go ahead and be your empowering self and birth your baby! But if you feel that you need someone to advocate for you, among other things, then hire a doula! I will go more into depth another time about OBs vs Midwives but if you have a specific plan for your birth or just want a more natural birth then a midwife may be a good fit for you. As for having both a doula and midwife, it can be a great choice if you feel comfortable with them both. If things start to get tough during labor it may be nice to have all the extra support.

If you have any more questions on whether or not to hire a midwife and/or doula you can contact me by filling out the form below! You can also schedule your free Doula consultation with me!