What's the difference between a midwife and a doula?

Question

Has anyone used one or the other? Would you recommend it?

Answer 1

We had a Doula for my daughter in law. She was GREAT...I highly recommend one (check references first!)
she took the pressure off a tricky delivery. A Doula just assists the Mother at birth-does not deliver like midwife.
Doula means "friend" and she was worth every penny. She helped before and after birth too. She stayed at the hospital from beginning to end, which in this case took many hours. She kept my son & DIL calm and focused.
Later, she spent time w/ Mom & baby at home. A big stress reliever!

Answer 2

A birth doula is a support person to help you and/or your partner during labour.
It could be physically helping you deal with the pain, mentally, even taking pictures or video if you desire. They usually meet with you before the birth to get to know you.

They are there to help you have the birth you desire. What one wants, needs or happens.

I think they are great for a first time Mother and especially important for a hospital based birth by a Mother who wants a natural birth.

A midwife is a medical professional that deals with pre/post natal care as well as the actual birth. They practice in hospitals, free standing birth centers as well as home births.
Generally they deal with natural births with little to none of the typical medical interventions that are standard in many of today's births.

I used midwives during both births and would never use a Doctor instead for a low risk birth or pregnancy. They are wonderful caring women who take the time work with you during your pregnancy and birth.

Answer 3

I would recommend having a midwife for sure. The support and the care you and your baby receive is oustanding, pre/post natal ! You can page your midwife any time, with any questions or concerns. Can't do that with a Dr.

Answer 4

a midwife is trained and qualified in delivering babies,a doula is a person who is there for you during your last stages of pregnancy