Whats the Difference Between Midwives and Doulas?
By: Jenney Cheever At first glance, midwives and doulas look about the same. They both assist with childbirth, and they both provide extra attention for the mother. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll discover that there’s a big difference in the services midwives and doulas provide. Knowing what you need and what they can do will help you make the best choice. The Critical Difference There are many things that midwives and doulas both do, such as offering support and assistance to a laboring woman. However, there are also some big differences. The most important distinction is that midwives deliver babies, and doulas do not. While a midwife’s main focus is provide prenatal and postnatal care and to deliver your baby, a doula’s main role is to keep you comfortable and happy. A doula will also offer support and assistance during labor, as well as after your birth. Some doulas will stay with you during the first few months of your baby’s life to help you adjust to your new role as a