Doula vs. Midwife: Who Does What—and Do I Need Both?
The birth world can feel like a swirl of new terms, options, and opinions. One of the biggest points of confusion? The difference between a doula and a midwife.
If you’ve ever wondered:
“Aren’t they the same thing?”
“Why would I need both?”
“Who delivers the baby?”
—this blog is for you.
Because knowing the difference can be the exact thing that helps you build the birth team you deserve.
What’s a Midwife?
A midwife is a medical provider trained to monitor your health and your baby’s health throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth. They:
Perform clinical tasks like cervical checks, blood pressure readings, and lab work
Monitor fetal heart tones
Manage low-risk pregnancies and births (at home, in birth centers, or in some hospitals)
Can prescribe medications, catch the baby, and even suture tears
There are different types of midwives—Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), and Traditional Midwives—each with slightly different scopes depending on where you live.
Bottom line: Midwives are part of your clinical care team. They make sure the body part of birth stays safe.
So Then, What Does a Doula Do?
A doula is a non-medical support person focused entirely on your emotional, physical, and informational well-being.
Doulas:
Help you plan and prepare for your ideal birth experience
Offer comfort techniques during labor (breathing, massage, positions, etc.)
Advocate alongside you for your birth preferences
Provide continuous presence during labor (when allowed—even when nurses/doctors rotate!)
Help you process your birth afterward and adjust in the postpartum period
We don’t do medical tasks. We’re not here to help “deliver the baby.” We’re here to support you—the person giving birth.
Do I Need Both?
Short answer: You don’t need anything—but having both gives you the best of both worlds. Midwives manage safety and health. Doulas manage comfort, clarity, and confidence. They’re not interchangeable—they’re complementary.
Why It Matters
Imagine trying to labor through contractions while figuring out hospital policies, trying to explain your birth plan, and wondering if what you’re feeling is “normal.” That’s a lot. A midwife may not always have the bandwidth to hold your hand and talk you through each wave.
That’s where doulas come in.
As a doula, I’m the person who stays grounded while the world swirls. I keep you centered, informed, and supported, no matter how birth unfolds.
And when you have a midwife you trust and a doula by your side? That’s where the magic really happens.
You deserve a birth team that listens, believes in you, and shows up for the whole of who you are—not just your chart or your baby. Whether you’re birthing at home, in a hospital, or somewhere in between, having both a midwife and a doula can create a deeper sense of trust, clarity, and peace.
Still not sure which team is right for you? I’m happy to talk it through with no pressure.
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