Doula? Midwife?

Hello all. I'm pretty new to all this TTC and pregnancy stuff, and I was just wondering if someone can explain to me the differences between a doula and a midwife? SO far my understanding is that a midwife has medical training and a doula doesn't... so how do their roles differ during pregnancy and labour.

I'm thinking about having someone with my partner and I during labour that can be supportive if I need an extra person, that won't get their feelings hurt if I decide that I want just me and my partner for most of the labour, and someone that could do any examinations (if they are required) so that I don't have to have different hopsital nurses each time a shift changes... Oh, and someone that can help enforce my birth plan when I'm too out of it to remember what I wanted, lol. Does that sound more like I want a midwife or a doula?

Thank you for any help!!

I dont know the exact difference but from what ive seen MW do the medical side (like taking BP, check dilation, administer drugs etc) and a doula is your second voice, support person and encouragment to get thru labour (well mine was that..lol).

Doula would indeed enforce your birth plan so you get the birth you want. Doulas cannot not do examinations (i dont think any how).

What you have explained sounds more like a doula....except the examination part which sounds like a midwife :)

Hi Krystie
I've only got a minute so I have to make it short but basically what kimbaz said is correct - a doula provides emotional and physical support and comfort, will work with you and your partner before the birth and will be by your side from start to finish during labour. Some doulas also provide support after baby is born. Doulas don't do physical examinations - while they are trained in understanding the physiological aspects of pregnancy, labour and birth this is with a view to them being able to provide comfort measures in labour and suggest ways to help your labour progress.

These are all things traditionally done by a midwife (as well as exams and catching babies) but in a hospital setting this is not usually the case anymore hence the increasing need for doulas. Mostly a hospital midwife will not be with you continuously as she has other mothers to look after and much paperwork to do - so many couples find they are pretty much left to their own devices. A doula means you have that constant support that many people expect in hospital and don't realise they don't get until they're actually in there :(

Another thing, you can take your own independent midwife to a hospital birth but she will pretty much have the role of a doula in that capacity. If she doesn't work for the hospital you're birthing in she will not be allowed to take a clinical role - ie. she wouldn't be doing your obs or exams.

That wasn't so short was lol, I'm never to the point! Hope that helps a bit.

Exactly as flea said - an independent midwife cannot do anything but act as a doula - cant catch your baby or anything, but she does have medical training. So if money is an issue, go for the doula. If you have a very complex birth which may result in lots of intervention you might like to consider a middy because she can give you comments from a medical perspective too. But trained doulas have very good outcomes for birth - 50% less c/s, less inductions and augmentations, pain relief, vacuum and forceps - because the couples feel supported and safe and are informed.

Thank you all!! I felt a little clueless before, but now I feel much better. I think that I will probably try to find a doula because I think that her support during labour is more what I'm after than the medical aspect, especially considering we will most likely be going private and paying for an obstetrician anyway.

Thank you all again!! :D