Doulas and midwives are frequently misunderstood. Some people think of them as an “alternative” option, associating them with unmedicated births. But most are actually highly skilled, trained professionals who can help women make informed choices about what’s best for them—including pain management options, like epidurals. 

Research supports the positive impact they can have on mothers, partners, and babies, so it’s worth considering whether one is right for you.

What’s the role of a doula?

A doula is a birth coach who guides mothers and their partners before, during, and after childbirth. They offer emotional support, provide information, and advocate for the mother’s wishes during labor. Many doulas are also childbirth educators who offer classes for expecting parents both within and outside of hospitals. Doulas don’t prescribe drugs or perform medical tasks and aren’t typically covered by insurance.

A midwife can be your primary go-to for all of your pregnancy-related care

A midwife is a trained medical professional who can provide comprehensive prenatal care throughout your pregnancy and postpartum, including medical checkups. They can oversee non-surgical deliveries, assist during c-sections,  and perform other medical procedures. Many can also prescribe medications. 

Midwives work in hospitals and birthing centers and also support home births. For high-risk pregnancies, they will typically refer you to—or collaborate with—an obstetrician (OB). 

Can you have both a doula and a midwife?

Absolutely. As a birthing coach, doulas will stay throughout labor, whereas midwives and OBs will be with you intermittently and during delivery. 

Should you consider one or both?

A midwife: For low-risk pregnancies, research supports improved outcomes with midwifery care, including better maternal and newborn health, increased breastfeeding initiation and duration, and shorter hospital stays. If you expect your pregnancy to be low risk and it’s covered by your insurance, you may want to consider selecting a midwife. 

A doula: Some families find doulas comforting and helpful. They love the education and advocacy they receive, and partners feel relieved about not being the primary support person during labor. Other families don’t feel the need for a doula and prefer a more intimate environment with fewer people in the mix. The major drawback when it comes to doulas is cost. They can be pricey—somewhere between $400 and $4,000, depending on their experience and where you live. They are also rarely covered by insurance. 

If you’re on the fence, interview a few to see what you think. 

To hear more about doulas, midwives, and other aspects of pregnancy prep, listen to this Lovevery podcast with Leslie Schrock, author of Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy. 

Expert support from Leslie Schrock, author of Bumpin’: The Modern Guide to Pregnancy

Learn more about the research

Combellick, J. L., Telfer, M. L., Ibrahim, B. B., Novick, G., Morelli, E. M., James-Conterelli, S., & Kennedy, H. P. (2023). Midwifery care during labor and birth in the United States. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 228(5), S983-S993.

Renfrew, M. J., McFadden, A., Bastos, M. H., Campbell, J., Channon, A. A., Cheung, N. F., … & Declercq, E. (2014). Midwifery and quality care: findings from a new evidence-informed framework for maternal and newborn care. The Lancet, 384(9948), 1129-1145.