Midwife vs. Doula: Who Does What and Do I Really Need Both?

Doula vs Midwife

Oh, the endless list of ‘experts’ you're suddenly supposed to know about when you're pregnant! It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin. Seriously, you start out just trying to choose a name for a tiny human, and suddenly you’re googling things like doula versus midwife at 3 am. Been there, done that, and I'm a local mum of three right here in the area! I get it.

It's one of the most common, and confusing, questions I get asked as a Postpartum Doula: "Wait, so are you like a midwife?"

Short answer: Nope! And that’s a very good thing, as you need both!

The confusion is totally understandable. While we’re both part of the amazing village that supports you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond, our roles are wonderfully, distinctly different. Think of it like this: your midwife is your captain, and your doula is your personal, emotional, and practical support crew.

Let’s break down the crucial difference between doula and midwife in a simple, no-fuss way.

The Midwife: Your Medical, Clinical Superhero

Midwife caring for labouring woman.

Your midwife is the clinical professional who manages your pregnancy, birth, and immediate postpartum health. They are medically trained and licensed to provide healthcare for you and your baby. They look after the engine of your body, making sure it’s running smoothly.

Their superpowers include:

• Clinical Care & Monitoring: They check your blood pressure, listen to your baby’s heartbeat, order tests, and provide medical advice.

• Delivering Your Baby: They are the primary healthcare provider overseeing the birth, whether at home or in the hospital.

• Immediate Postpartum Medical Checks: They check stitches, monitor bleeding, assess your baby's weight and feeding latch (clinically), and watch for any signs of medical complications for both of you.

In short: Your midwife is there for the physical, medical, and clinical bits. They are absolutely essential!

The Doula: Your Emotional, Practical, and Navigational Support System

Now, for the doula and midwife difference on my side of the fence. A doula (and specifically, I focus on postpartum doula support) is a non-clinical professional who provides continuous, non-judgemental emotional, physical, and informational support.

We don't check stitches. We do not catch babies! We look after the most important person—you! We focus on you, the mother, and making sure your transition into motherhood is as rested, nourished, and supported as possible. It's the ultimate motherhood hack that every new mum deserves.

My superpowers include:

• Emotional & Mental Wellbeing: Being a listening ear, validating your feelings, helping you process your birth, and watching out for signs you might be struggling.

• Practical Help at Home: Light tidying, folding a mountain of baby clothes, preparing nourishing snacks, and making sure you get a hot cup of tea (or coffee!) and drink it while it’s still hot.

• Infant Care Confidence: Offering tips on soothing, normal infant sleep patterns, and feeding support (whatever method works best for your family).

• The Motherhood Cheerleader: Filling the fridge, tidying the chaos, and holding the baby while you have a shower or, dare I say it, a nap!

In short: Your doula is there for the emotional, practical, and informational bits. We nurture the mother so she can focus on nurturing her baby.

The Big Takeaway: You Need Both!

This is why understanding the doula and midwife difference is so empowering! They don’t overlap; they complement each other perfectly. Your midwife handles the clinical; your doula handles the living and transitioning part.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you just need a wise, non-judgemental friend to help you navigate the daily chaos that comes with a new baby, then you need a postpartum doula. It’s truly the missing link in modern maternity care.

Don’t try to be a superhero; be a supported, well-rested mother. That's the real win. You can learn more about exactly what I offer and how I can help you survive and thrive in the early days on my Services Page.

Ready to transform your fourth trimester from chaos to calm?

I'm Bec, and I offer personalised, practical, and compassionate postpartum doula support right here in Perth. Let’s chat about how I can bring rest, confidence, and peace back into your home.

Book your free, non-obligatory chat with me today. No pressure, just a warm conversation about getting you the support you deserve!