Frequently Asked Questions: Is a doula a midwife?

Is a doula a midwife?

A doula versus a midwife: A doulas main purpose is simply to be there for mom and her partner during pregnancy and birth. A midwife is a trained medical professional, many times also a certified nurse. They prescribe medications and attend to the woman medically. The doula attends to any needs of the mother that are non-medical. A doula will often be available to the mom before a midwife would be in attendance, as doulas will often meet their clients in their homes to be with them in early labor before mom decides to go to their place of birth, or before their midwife meets them at home in the case of a home birth. Studies have shown that the continuous support aspect of a doula is one of the main aspects of a doula that improves outcomes of birth.