question

[PrdMomov2]

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

[branwyn]

dont quote me on this, i am sure someone else will eb able to tell you for sure but since i am on i will throw in my 2 cents (i tend to do that a lot)
i believe a doula helps you (there for support and such) through the birthing experience (whether it be labour or csection) and a midwife can actually help you give birth.
does that make any sense?

i really should get off the computer for the evening...or stop responding to posts LOL :p

[jjdoula]

That was a pretty good explanation..but to go more in depth...

A doula will help you gather information before the birth, help you create a "birth plan" and discern what is important to you in your birth experience. They will help you remember the information you have gathered when it is time to make a decision ( I do this by helping the client ask questions of the Dr), we will help you labor at home and make it more probable you will arrive at the hospital in great active labor (Instead of way too early), a doula will support a client in all of their decisions and wishes, help with real life stuff like holding the pan while you throw up,,making sure you have a constant supply of ice water, getting the nurse if you want her, keeping family members updated, lots of foot massages!, reminding you of your birth plan (I had one client who wanted more than anything to sit in the jacuzzi,,I reminded her of that, or encouraging the mother to reach down and feel the babies head as it emerges), encouraging the partner of the birthing woman, suggesting good positions, coping techniques, just sitting quietly if things are going great,,stepping out of the room to allow the couple to have some time alone if all is going well, keeping in touch with the Dr and nurse on progression, keeping an open dialogue with all professionals...I could go on and on...

A midwife often does all these things as well ( especially in a home birth setting)

A doula DOES NOT:
Tell a client what decisions to make,
perform dilation checks or pereneil support
monitor blood pressure
read the strips of the babies heart beat
argue with the medical staff
deliver the baby..

A midwife often fills the same role as a doula, plus takes care of the medical care of the birthing woman and baby..

Because a midwife often does these things,,doulas typically are contracted to help in a hospital birth,,midwives take care of it all in home births,,(I have noticed that midwives in the hospital setting are often more "Dr like" in their practice than home birth midwives)

Hope I answered your question!

Staci