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Difference between a Midwife and Doula; From Sunshine Coast Doula - Lily Greenhalgh

Writer's picture: Lily Greenhalgh Lily Greenhalgh

Doula:

  1. Role: A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a woman (or couple) before, during, and after childbirth.

  2. Focus: Doulas focus on the emotional and physical comfort of the birthing person. They offer continuous support, encouragement, and comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques, and positioning during labor.

  3. Medical Training: Doulas are not medical professionals, and they do not perform clinical tasks. Instead, they work alongside healthcare providers to enhance the overall birthing experience.

  4. Advocacy: Doulas often act as advocates for the birthing person's wishes, helping to ensure those preferences are communicated to the medical team.

  5. Postpartum Support: Doulas may also provide support during the postpartum period, helping with breastfeeding, emotional well-being, meal prepping, and adjusting to the challenges of parenthood.

Sunshine Coast Doula - Lil' Mumma Care

Doula supporting mum
Doula support

Midwife:

  1. Role: A midwife is a trained healthcare professional with expertise in supporting women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

  2. Focus: Midwives are primarily responsible for the medical care of pregnant individuals. They can provide prenatal care, attend labour and delivery, and offer postpartum care for both the mother and the newborn.

  3. Medical Training: Midwives are trained and licensed healthcare professionals. They can be certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) with nursing backgrounds or certified professional midwives (CPMs) with direct-entry midwifery education.

  4. Clinical Tasks: Midwives can perform medical tasks such as monitoring the health of the mother and baby, ordering tests, providing pain relief, and, in some cases, prescribing medications.

  5. Location of Care: While some midwives work in hospitals alongside obstetricians, others may attend births in homes or birthing centers, offering a more personalized and home-like environment.

Midwife check up with pregnant woman
Midwife and pregnant woman

In summary, doulas focus on non-medical support and comfort, while midwives are trained healthcare professionals who provide comprehensive medical care throughout the childbirth process. Many individuals choose to have both a doula and a midwife as part of their birth team to receive both emotional support and medical expertise.

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