Midwives vs. Doulas: What is the difference?

As you research your options for pregnancy care, you may come across the terms "doula" and "midwife." While both are valuable members of a birth team, they serve different roles. As a birth doula in Seattle, I often help families understand these differences, so let’s explore what each professional does and how they can support your journey to parenthood.

What Does a Doula Do?

A doula is a non-medical birth professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after labor. Doulas do not provide medical care but instead focus on ensuring that birthing parents feel supported and empowered. Here’s how:

• Providing continuous reassurance and encouragement during labor
• Assisting with relaxation techniques such as breathing, movement, and massage
• Helping birthing people move their bodies in ways that encourage optimal baby positioning
• Helping partners feel confident in their support roles without putting pressure and expectations on them.
• Offering postpartum support, including guidance with newborn care and emotional recovery

What Does a Midwife Do?

A midwife is a licensed medical professional trained to provide prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. Midwives specialize in low-risk pregnancies and focus on a holistic approach to childbirth. Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting prenatal checkups and monitoring fetal development
• Providing medical assessments and screenings
• Delivering babies at hospitals, birth centers, or homes
• Managing any complications or referring to an obstetrician if necessary
• Offering postpartum medical care and newborn assessments

Can You Have Both?

Absolutely! Many parents choose to have both a midwife and a doula. While the midwife ensures your medical safety, the doula provides hands-on comfort and emotional support, making your birth experience more personalized and reassuring.

At Seattle Birth Doulas, we want to support you as you make decisions in labor that feel best for you.