Whats the difference between a birth doula and a midwife?
In Ontario, a midwife is a primary health care provider who specializes in normal birth. A woman may choose to see a midwife, a family practitioner or an obstetrician throughout her pregnancy and birth. If she chooses a midwife, she does not see a doctor for prenatal care or the birth unless a health concern arises. A birth doula provides non-clinical care and support. A doula does not perform medical procedures such as blood pressure checks or pelvic exams, and does not catch babies. A doula provides education, physical comfort measures and emotional support. A doula’s only responsibility is to the comfort and emotional well being of the woman and her birth companion(s). She works for you, not the hospital or midwife.
