{"id":830,"date":"2023-01-17T20:23:02","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T20:23:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/?p=830"},"modified":"2024-08-14T10:33:51","modified_gmt":"2024-08-14T15:33:51","slug":"doula-vs-midwife","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chministries.org\/blog\/doula-vs-midwife\/","title":{"rendered":"Doula vs. midwife: understanding the difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n

Editor’s note: Doulas are ineligible for sharing. Please refer to the CHM Guidelines<\/a> and applicable web pages for the most up-to-date information regarding sharing eligibility, CHM membership, and ministry news.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re trying to get pregnant<\/a> or expecting, you have plans to make! You’ll need a helping hand, from pre-pregnancy and pregnancy, through delivery and after the birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you budget for a baby<\/a> and think about home birth vs. hospital birth<\/a>, you’ll want to explore the benefits of birthing helpers, birthing coaches, and the differences between a doula and a midwife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pregnancy, birthing, and motherhood: it’s all a labor of love<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fearfully and wonderfully made [Psalm 139:14, NIV<\/a>], newborns show off God’s amazing handiwork [Ephesians 2:10<\/a>]. Newborns remind us of life’s big and small miracles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

But before newborns leave the womb, there are months of pregnancy and hours of labor. Throughout pregnancy and motherhood, there’ll be happy times and times when you may “cry by day and have no rest by night” [Psalm 22:2<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, with trust in God and perseverance, joy returns to the weary soul [Psalm 30:5<\/a>]. A newborn’s first cry reminds families why the mothering adventure is a labor of love. It’s sacrificial. It’s rewarding. And it’s totally worth it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doulas and midwives are trained to be “Mom’s helpers.” Both are involved in the birthing process, but their qualifications, training, and duties differ. Professional requirements for doulas and midwives vary with individuals, training or certification, and changing laws or standards of care. Ask local health officials for current regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does a doula do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Doulas “mother the mother.” They nurture, support, and offer expert guidance at every step. They give personalized, non-medical support. They also support fathers, family<\/a>, and friends. Most doulas have extensive training and experience. Some are certified or professionally licensed. However, they’re not a substitute for a medically trained midwife or doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Types of doulas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n