Whenever I’m asked what I do, I tell them I’m a doula. Often I get a blank stare and need to explain what it is I actually do. Then they say something like, “Oh! So you’re like a midwife then!”
This blog is going to help you understand the role of both a doula and a midwife, if they are indeed similar, and whether or not you need one or the other, or both.
What is a Doula? How they empower and support YOU
A doula is a non-medical birth companion. She provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and into the postpartum period. Unlike midwives, doulas do not perform medical tasks but instead focus on helping you prepare for the birth experience you hoping for. She’ll empower you with knowledge and advocate for your choices. During labour and birth, she offers comfort measures such as breathing techniques, massage, and reassurance.
As the late Penny Simkin beautifully expressed, her words capture the true essence of what it means to be a doula:
"A doula will do whatever it takes for as long as it takes to see the family through a safe and satisfying birth as defined by the family."
A doula cares for her client holistically, and will support her in whichever choices she chooses for herself and her baby.
With the medicalisation of birth, the majority of women are deemed “HIGH RISK”. You may be at risk because of your age, size, ethnicity or even at risk because this is your first baby! Many women will just go with what the professionals say without questioning the risks and benefits. Others are finding they’re having to push for what they want, which can take it’s toll during a very vulnerable stage in a woman’s life. This is where a doula really shines, as she can step in and help you and your partner advocate for what YOU want. At the end of the day, this is YOUR birth, YOUR body and YOUR baby.
Read more about what a doula is and does HERE
Midwives: What They Do and the Challenges They Face Today"
A midwife is a medically trained professional who provides essential care of both the mother and baby throughout pregnancy, labour and the early postpartum period. Their role includes regular monitoring, recognising any potential complications and treating, or referring to a specialist if necessary.
However, the current midwifery crisis in the UK has placed significant strain on the profession. Due to understaffing and lack of funding, many midwives are unable to dedicate the time and continuity of care they would ideally provide. This gap in personalized support can often have a negative impact on birth experiences and outcomes, leaving many families feeling unsupported during this crucial time.
Key Differences between doulas and Midwives
YOU are the top priority and central to BOTH midwife and doula services, but here’s how we are different:
Do you need a doula or a midwife?
Many expecting parents wonder whether they need both a doula and a midwife, or if they can rely on just one for support. The answer depends on individual preferences, birth plan, and the level of support desired. Here’s how having both can be beneficial:
Holistic Support: Emotional, physical & medical
A midwife focuses on the medical well being of you and baby, such as monitoring the baby’s health, managing labor complications, and ensuring a safe delivery. A doula, on the other hand, provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. Together, they create a well-rounded birth team.
Continuity of care
During your pregnancy, it is very unlikely that you will see the same midwife for all your antenatal appointments (especially in Northern Ireland’s NHS). With your chosen doula, there is the opportunity to navigate pressing concerns, looking at your options and working through any issues together. The opportunity to build a trusting relationship is wide open for you.
Midwives, especially in hospital settings, may not always be present throughout your entire labour. A doula stays by your side for the entire labour, offering hands-on support and comfort measures, helping you feel safe, secure and focused on birthing your baby.
Communication & Advocacy
A doula helps facilitate communication between you and the medical team, ensuring that your chosen birth plan is respected while also adapting to any necessary changes. While midwives do advocate for their patients, they are primarily focused on clinical care and hospital policies which may limit their ability to provide continuous emotional reassurance.
When one is enough
- If you have a strong birth partner who knows exactly what YOU want, and is willing to speak out on your behalf, you may be happy with just a midwife. That birth partner may be your husband/partner, family member or close friend.
- If you don’t feel you’ll need additional emotional or physical comfort, a midwife may be all you need.
- If you want freebirth where you take total responsibility for your birth, a doula can help in physically supporting you.
Ultimately, whether you choose a doula, a midwife, or both depends on your birth goals and personal preferences. Many families find that the combined support of a midwife and a doula leads to a more empowered, supported, and positive birth experience.
Choosing the right support for Your birth
You only get one opportunity to birth this baby, no matter if it’s your first, last or anywhere in-between. What do you need to make this birth an amazing experience?
Maybe it’s more understanding of how your body is designed for birth. If you watch any TV show or movie with a birth scene, there is so much drama and panic and mayhem! Birth is just not like that!
Perhaps you’re needing someone to walk the journey with you, showing you that there are options at each stage.
Unfortunately, within the NHS, you don’t get to choose your midwife. You may however request a different midwife to care for you if you have any problems or personality clashes.
When choosing a doula, take your time to reach out to a few whose messaging and vibe resonates with you. Find out their availability and areas they cover.
Do doulas & midwives work well together?
One question I’m often asked is, “Do midwives and doulas work well together?” The answer is yes – most of the time! When the woman is truly at the center of care – listened to, respected, and trusted – the relationship between a doula and a midwife can be dynamic and collaborative.
However, conflicts can arise when there is a deviation from the original care plan. Midwives are bound by policies and medical guidelines, while a doula’s primary responsibility is to her client—advocating for her wishes, always. If a woman chooses to continue her pregnancy or labour outside of standard medical recommendations, this can sometimes create anxiety and uncertainty within the system.
The key to overcoming these challenges is teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect. At the heart of it all, honoring a woman’s right to make informed choices – the ones that feel right for her and her baby – should always be the top priority.
In concluding, choosing the right birth support is a deeply personal decision, and understanding the differences between a doula and a midwife can help you make an informed choice. While a midwife provides essential medical care, a doula offers continuous emotional and physical support, ensuring you feel empowered, informed, and cared for throughout your journey.
For many parents, having both a midwife and a doula creates a well-rounded support system – balancing medical expertise with compassionate, holistic care. No matter what kind of birth you envision, the most important thing is that you feel heard, respected, and in control of your experience.
At the end of the day, this is YOUR birth, YOUR body, and YOUR baby – and you deserve the support that aligns with your needs and values. The final decision is ALWAYS yours.
Are you wanting to find out more? I offer FREE clarity call to help you decide if a doula is right for you. Press the button below to make a date with me
