09/22/2020
Posted • That’s one way to look at it!
Posted • Oh, you're a doula? That's like a midwife, right?
I hear this a LOT, & it's not totally wrong! Doulas & midwives often operate within similar models of perinatal care. Our philosophies of care often resonate with one another. We view the parent/baby dyad as a holistic system, working in unison.
But in practice, we offer very different kinds of care.
I am extremely thankful for the amazing woman who took this photo of her cousin (my client) giving birth. It is a wonderful illustration of some of the differences in our roles.
The midwife is at the end of the bed, tending to my client & her baby's health. She's ready to receive that baby, when she comes!
I'm sitting at my client's side, holding her hand & wiping her brow with a cool cloth.
We are both offering words of encouragement & praise.
Midwives are trained to provide expert care throughout typical, low-risk pregnancies, births & postpartum (which is most). They provide holistic support that includes medical care for birthing people.
Doulas provide physical, emotional & informational support to pregnant people and their partners. We listen & support, educate, & soothe physical discomfort.
Midwives & doulas often work together (I certainly love it when we do!), but we provide very different services.
I hope this demystifies things! Do you have any questions for your local doula? Comment below!