How is a Doula Different from a Midwife or Nurse?

A midwife is a primary care provider, while a doula is an expert in labor support.  A doula stays with you, helping to guide you and your partner from beginning to end. When labor is at its most intense, there are two urgent needs: continuous emotional and physical support for the mother, and preparations for the baby’s arrival. The midwife cannot always do both at once. As your doula, I stay focused on your comfort throughout all of labor’s stages.

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Aside from helping care for you, the nurse is communicating with your care provider, taking care of other patients, documenting care, taking breaks, and taking care of other responsibilities. A nurse’s support ends when her shift does.

I only have one obligation the whole time I am with you - and that is you!

Doulas help you clarify your vision and preferences for birth. As you learn more throughout your pregnancy, you might sometimes feel overwhelmed with information. Your doula visits create the space for you to talk about what you’ve learned, and from there, develop strategies for your specific needs. Your primary caregiver will appreciate that you can present a clear vision of your wishes, so that he/she can better facilitate your birth. (If your primary caregiver does NOT appreciate your presenting a birth plan, I will help you find a better caregiver!)

If you are transported to a hospital, I will be a familiar face. I have experience in making an otherwise confusing and undesired situation more positive. Though your midwife will also likely accompany you in a transport, her job is to help bridge the gap clinically. I seek to bridge the physical, emotional, and informational gaps for families.