Doula, Midwife, or both? Understanding the key differences between the two.

When thinking of your birthing experience, have you considered your delivery team? Depending on each pregnancy, this team of medical professionals may vary. For moms who seek “hands on” care, a midwife can be a great option. According to WebMD, you may want to consider working with a midwife if:

• You want your childbirth to be as natural as possible with little medical intervention, such as an episiotomy, fetal monitoring, labor induction, etc.
• You want the emotional, practical, and social support that midwives provide.
• You seek to have a home birth or in a birthing center

According to American Pregnancy, the Midwives Model of Care includes:

• Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
• Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support
• Minimizing technological interventions
• Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention.

Having a Doula as a part of the birthing team can add an additional layer of support for both the mother and father. Oftentimes even the most dutiful midwife can find herself unable to provide as much one-to-one support that expectant mothers need. According to American Pregnancy, women reported having a more overall positive birthing experience (whether natural or c-section), with the presence of a doula.

Doulas also offer a unique opportunity for antepartum and postpartum support that is not always available with a midwife. An antepartum Doula can be a great support for a high risk pregnancy or a mother that has been on bedrest by providing “informational, emotional, physical, and practical support in circumstances that are often stressful, confusing, and emotionally draining”. A postpartum Doula can provide support after birth by helping with such things as lactation support, cleaning, cooking, and for emotional support.

When considering your birthing options, understanding the fundamental differences between a midwife and doula can be helpful. Oftentimes, families consider both and find that this combo provides for a strong support team for one of the most important days of a mother and fathers lives. No matter what your birth plan is, remember to choose to feel love, choose to feel safe, and choose to feel heard.

Warmly,
Tamarah Taylor, M.S.Ed,
Communications Manager,
​NOVA Birth Partners

Reference:
Anagnost-Repke, A. (n.d.). Parents-to-Be, This Is the Difference Between a Midwife and a Doula. Retrieved from https://www.popsugar.com/moms/What-Difference-Between-Midwife-Doula-45654985
​Having a Doula: Their Benefits and Purpose. (2017, July 22). Retrieved from http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/
Midwives - American Pregnancy Association. (2017, May 15). Retrieved from http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/midwives/
What Is a Midwife? (2012, June 8). Retrieved from www.webmd.com/baby/what-is-a-midwife

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