Midwife? Doula? How do I know which one I need?
Midwives Ola & Tess from Community Midwives
There are so many things to learn when you're pregnant, and one of the topics that can be confusing is the difference between a Midwife and a Doula. Both play important roles in labour and delivery, but they have different responsibilities. Here's a look at what each one does.
What is a Doula and what do they do for you during labour and delivery?
A Doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to the birthing person during labour and delivery. Doulas are not medical professionals, but they play an important role in helping birthing persons through the childbirth process. They can help with everything from providing massages and breathing techniques during labour to answering questions about the delivery process. Doulas can also provide support after the baby is born, helping with things like breastfeeding and newborn care. Hiring a Doula can be a great way to ensure that you have all the support you need during labour and delivery.
What is a Midwife and what do they do for you during labour and delivery?
A Midwife is a healthcare professional who provides care for pregnant persons during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum. Midwives are trained to provide comprehensive care for low-risk births and newborns. Midwives in Ottawa work in small groups and attend births in hospitals, at the Ottawa Birth & Wellness Centre as well as home births. During labour and delivery, the Midwife's main role is the medical care of both the mom and baby. They know all the things to watch for to ensure that everyone is healthy at the end of your birth. Midwives also offer primary care for the first 6 weeks of babies life as well as managing your postpartum recovery. They may also refer women to other healthcare professionals if necessary. The Midwife's goal is to provide individualized care that meets the unique needs of each birthing person and their family.
How much do Doulas cost in Ottawa? How much do Midwives cost in Ottawa?
The cost of hiring a Doula can vary depending on their experience and location. Generally, Doulas charge between $1000 and $3000 for their services. Doulas are often self-employed, and their pricing and packages can vary largely from one doula to the next. Midwives are covered by the Ministry of Health in Ontario and provide services at all Ontario residents even if they do not have OHIP coverage. Some insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of hiring a Doula.
Which one is right for you - A Doula or a Midwife?
The good news is that you don’t need to choose one or the other! As a Doula in Ottawa for the last 8 years, I have attended dozens of births with Midwives and I must say that we work very well together and can really be the perfect team to ensure you and your partner both feel supported through the process.
What is the difference between a Midwife and a Doula?
The simplest answer is that Midwives attend births as medical professionals who follow your pregnancy, birth and the first 6 weeks postpartum and Doulas provide physical and emotional support to mothers before, during, and after labour. However, there is much more that distinguishes these two professions. Midwives are licensed medical professionals who have undergone extensive training in both pregnancy and childbirth; they can handle most emergencies that may arise during birth. Doulas are not licensed or medically trained, but they do receive special certification in providing support to pregnant persons and new parents. They typically don’t offer medical advice or services, but rather focus on emotional and physical support. If you still have questions about the differences between Midwives and Doulas or any other aspects of Doula support. We’d be happy to set up a time to chat and answer any questions you have.