Doula vs. Midwife: Know Your Options

Welcoming a new baby is a big life change, and every growing family can benefit from extra support. Two professionals often play key roles during this journey: doulas and midwives.

While one focuses on emotional and physical support and the other provides clinical care, both doulas and midwives bring unique strengths to the birthing experience. Curious about how midwives and doulas differ—and how they can work together? Let’s break it down.

What Is A Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous, physical, emotional and informational support to birthing families before, during and just after childbirth.

"A doula is part of the birthing team to give that continuous support through the entire process as an additional coach, someone who can explain what's happening. Having a doula at the birth makes a huge difference in birth outcomes and a greater satisfaction with the overall birth experience," said Louise Albrecht-Mallinger, CD-BDT, doula program coordinator for 22 years at Franciscan Health Crown Point. "A doula doesn't replace your partner or doctor."

What Is A Midwife?

A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. They are experts in supporting low-risk pregnancies and offer a more personalized, holistic approach to birth.

Unlike doulas, certified nurse midwives can deliver babies in hospitals, birth centers or at home, depending on your preferences and medical needs. Midwives often focus on natural childbirth when possible but also know when to involve physicians if complications arise.

Beyond delivery, midwives provide prenatal checkups, education and postpartum care for both the parent and baby.

Benefits Of Having A Doula

• Practical support: Doulas help with soothing techniques, physical comfort measures and support during your labor.
• Informational support: Doulas help you get evidence-based information about pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period, so you can make informed decisions about your birth.
• Emotional support: Doulas are empathetic, compassionate, active listeners. They encourage and nurture you and your family.
• Partner/family support: Doulas help your family feel comfortable and confident as they support you during the birth.

Benefits Of Having A Midwife

• Personalized care: Midwives often spend more time with patients and build strong, supportive relationships.
• Low-intervention approach: Ideal for those who want a natural birth with minimal medical interventions.
• Emotional and physical support: They offer comfort techniques, education, and reassurance throughout labor.
• Holistic focus: Care includes attention to your emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
• Great for low-risk pregnancies: A midwife is a safe option for those with healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies.
• Advocates for informed choice: Midwives ensure you understand your options and help you make decisions that align with your values.

Can A Midwife And Doula Work Together?

A doula and a midwife can make a powerful team during pregnancy and childbirth—each bringing their own expertise to support the birthing person in different but complementary ways.

Although they have different roles, they have the same goal.

• Midwife: Focuses on your medical care—monitoring vital signs, managing labor progress, and delivering the baby.
• Doula: Provides non-medical support—offering comfort measures, emotional encouragement, and advocacy throughout the experience.

In short, midwives and doulas don’t replace each other—they enhance each other’s roles, creating a more positive and informed birth experience.