What Is the Difference Between a Midwife and a Doula?

Both midwives and doulas support women during pregnancy and birth—but in very different ways. Here's how they differ:

 Midwife – Clinical Medical Professional

%uD83E%uDE7A Training & Qualifications

A midwife is a licensed healthcare provider. In South Africa, midwives are trained nurses who undergo further midwifery training and registration. They are qualified to monitor both mother and baby, manage labour, and deliver babies.

 What They Do

• Provide prenatal check-ups and monitor pregnancy health.
• Conduct labour and delivery, including performing emergency procedures.
• Can identify and manage medical complications.
• Offer postnatal care (breastfeeding help, newborn care, maternal recovery).

 Doula – Non-Medical Birth Companion

 Training & Qualifications

A doula is a trained support person, not a medical professional. Certified through private training programs. No clinical tasks or medical decision-making.

 What They Do

• Provide emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum.
• Help with birth planning and comfort measures (e.g., breathing, massage, positions).
• Support the partner or family members during birth.
• Often present throughout labour, offering continuous encouragement.

%u2705 Key Differences at a Glance

	Midwife	Doula
Role	Medical care provider	Support person (non-medical)
Training	Nursing Midwifery license	Certification in birth support
Delivers Baby?	Yes	No
Performs Exams?	Yes (vitals, cervical checks, fetal heart)	No
Manages Emergencies?	Yes	No
Offers Emotional Support?	Yes	Yes (primary focus)

 

 In Summary:
- A midwife ensures the medical safety of mom and baby.
- A doula offers emotional comfort and support throughout the journey.
 Many women choose both for a complete birth support team!