Midwives vs. Doulas: What’s the Difference?

Throughout the month, there has been much discussion on the difference between a doula and a midwife.

There is a big difference, and the professions have different job descriptions.

What is a Midwife?

Midwives are licensed health care providers, who provide prenatal and postpartum care. Their duties are to monitor the mother and fetus during labor, assess labor progress, manage complications, assist with pain management, perform episiotomies if needed, and deliver the newborn and placenta.

What is a Doula?

A doula is a trained professional who is knowledgeable in the mechanism of labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. Doulas provide emotional support, advocacy, and resources for laboring and postpartum women. Doulas do not provide medical care and do not deliver or catch babies.

The Benefits of Having a Doula

Shorter labors

Reduced cesarean sections

Reduced medical intervention

Less regional anesthesia

Increased breastfeeding in the first hour of life!

Mother feels heard and more satisfied with her birth experience

Why Black Doulas?

Black doulas offer more because they try to protect their clients from substandard perinatal care, so that can enjoy their birth experience. Black doulas work in white-owned birthing spaces, where they experience bias and hostility. Black Doula Day is needed, to recognize what they endure to help their birthing clients.