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.