When preparing for birth, it’s important to understand the differences between a midwife and a doula—because while both offer valuable support, their roles are very different. One is medically trained, the other emotionally focused—but both can play a key part in your journey. Knowing what each one does will help you choose the right support team for your needs, your comfort, and your birth plan. Written by Chrissie Smith-Schuler, doula .
As a doula (birth coach), I often get asked if I am a midwife. When I say I’m a doula and not a midwife, I’m asked what the difference is between a midwife and doula. This is not a bad question as a midwife and doula play two very different roles in your pregnancy and birth, but both are very needed and important.
What is the role of a midwife?
In a nutshell, a midwife is a medically trained person who offers you clinical care and support during your pregnancy. A midwife will deliver your baby. Midwives deal with low-risk pregnancies and will only intervene medically if necessary. They are also there to try and support your birth choices.
You would meet early on in your pregnancy and they will do all the checks on you and baby throughout your pregnancy. Some couples opt to have an independent midwife (midwives who have their own practices) who they see throughout their pregnancy and with who they form a relationship. This same independent midwife then delivers their child when the mother goes into labour.
Midwives will assess you regularly during your labour to make sure that all is going smoothly and they can also administer pain medication if the mother requires. Independent midwives in South Africa work at natural birth units and some hospitals. They also do home births.
Once you’ve taken your baby home, your midwife will also usually make house calls to check on you and baby. In these appointments, she will weigh your baby, and check your and baby’s health. This can be a great help in the early postpartum weeks.
Other couples may choose to birth at a unit where there is a staff of midwives and they see whoever is on duty for their appointments and birth. All maternity units are usually staff with midwives as well.
What is the role of a doula?
A doula is a non-medically trained person; however, they do have a good knowledge of the birth process. They give couples evidence-based research about pregnancy, labour and postpartum. A doula is also not trained to deliver your baby, but rather to guide and help the couple.
You would meet with your doula a few times during your pregnancy to discuss your birth preference and help you draw up a birth plan, as well as advise you on other aspects of your labour such as what to pack, how to time contractions, etc.
Your doula is also your go-to person for any “silly questions” that you may not want to bother your midwife with (no question is too silly!). A doula’s primary role is to be there for you, your baby and your partner emotionally during your pregnancy and labour journey.
WATCH: How do doulas make a difference during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum?
They will also be with you from early labour until baby is born and for a while after. They know your wishes and will help you to try and achieve them through with emotional support and natural pain-relief techniques. They are there to encourage you and your partner, and make you feel safe and secure. Your partner is definitely not left out in this process. Your doula will support your partner and also give him tips and ideas on how to support you.
The doula-partner relationship is a team effort to help you. During your labour, your doula will be your liaison between your midwife, hospital staff and yourself. After your baby is born, a doula will help with breastfeeding if the mother has chosen to breastfeed.
They will also help the mother to shower and get comfortable – and anything else you may need. A doula will see you again once you are home to help with any number of things like breastfeeding or showing you how to bath the baby.
Do you need both a midwife and doula at your birth?
For first-time couples, the labour process can be overwhelming and scary. Your midwife will be with you, but has tasks to do during your labour that will mean they will not be able to stay with you during each contraction. They would also not usually be with you in the early stages of labour.
Your partner may not know how best to support you, so it is definitely useful to have a doula at your birth as she is simply there to support you and your partner continuously. A doula would come to your house if you prefer in early labour and report back on your progress to your midwife.
You would all then decide when would be the best time to go into hospital if you are having a hospital birth. It is therefore a great idea to have both who will support you in very different but beneficial ways in your pregnancy, labour and postpartum.
FAQs: The Differences Between a Midwife and a Doula
What is the main difference between a midwife and a doula?
A midwife is a medically trained professional who provides clinical care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. A doula offers emotional, physical, and informational support but does not provide medical care.
Do midwives and doulas perform the same role during labour?
No. A midwife monitors your baby’s health, performs medical checks, and can deliver the baby. A doula supports you emotionally, helps with comfort measures, and acts as an advocate for your birth preferences.
Is a doula qualified to deliver a baby?
No. A doula is not a healthcare provider and cannot perform clinical tasks such as checking dilation, administering medication, or delivering the baby.
What training do midwives and doulas receive?
Midwives undergo formal medical education and registration, often as nurses with special training in midwifery. Doulas complete certified training programmes in birth support, but their role is non-clinical.
Do midwives and doulas work in hospitals?
Midwives often work in hospitals, clinics, or home birth settings. Doulas can support clients in any setting—hospital, home, or birthing centre—but do not replace medical staff.
Who provides postnatal care: the midwife or the doula?
Both can offer postnatal support. A midwife will monitor physical recovery and baby’s health, while a postpartum doula may help with feeding support, sleep routines, and emotional wellbeing.
Does medical aid or insurance cover midwives and doulas?
In some cases, medical aid may cover midwifery care, especially in hospital births. Doulas are usually not covered, but this depends on your provider and plan.
Which should I choose if I want a natural birth?
Both can support a natural birth. A midwife provides safe, medical oversight, while a doula can help manage pain naturally and keep you calm and focused.
Can I use a doula if I’m having a C-section?
Yes. Doulas can support you before, during (if permitted), and after a caesarean, helping with preparation, recovery, and emotional support.
Will a doula replace my partner during birth?
Not at all. A doula enhances your partner’s role by guiding and supporting both of you, helping your partner feel more confident and involved.
How do I decide which is right for me?
Consider your needs: if you want medical care, a midwife is essential. If you’re looking for continuous emotional and physical support, a doula can be a great addition. Many families benefit from having both.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider when making decisions about your maternity care.
Heading Title
Don’t miss your chance to win 1 of 2 Smurfs Hampers this July! It’s fun, easy to enter, and full of Smurfy surprises for little …
