Midwives and Doulas ~ The Ultimate Duo

by | Jul 10, 2018 | Blog Post

https://www.bcaafc.com/index.php/initiatives/doula-support-program

 

What Is The Difference Between A Midwife And A Doula?

 

Midwives

  • Provide evidenced based care for healthy, low-risk women during pregnancy, birth and 6 weeks postpartum

  • Are paid for by the provincial government

  • Run all prenatal tests and screenings

  • Prescribe medications or supplements in pregnancy including pain medications in labour

  • Consult with obstetricians if medical complications arise during pregnancy or childbirth that are out of a Midwife’s scope of practice

  • Monitor you and your baby during pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum. This includes physical examinations

  • Offer emotional support and comfort in labour and birth but their primary concerns are the safety of you and your baby while carrying out their clinical tasks

Doulas

  • Provide non-medical emotional, physical and informational support throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period

  • Are not paid for by the provincial government although requesting coverage from your extended health provider is always encouraged. There may be grants in place for some women and this avenue of financial support should also be explored

  • Direct you to your midwife or doctor for all questions out of a doula’s scope of practice

  • Help you plan for your desired birth and postpartum

  • Offer resources, guidance and emotional/physical comfort in pregnancy

  • Ensure you feel confident making informed decisions for you and your baby while encouraging communication with your care provider

  • Can focus all of her energy into providing continuous emotional support and physical comfort for the birthing person and partner through all stages of labour

The Ultimate Duo

In birth, your midwife ensures the comfort and safety of you and your baby while calmly and respectfully keeping your birth wishes in mind. She knows your limitations and she reminds you that you and your baby are safe. Her voice and her hands are reassuring. She may be in and out during your labour but she is mostly present and never goes far.

I always say birth is busy. As your Doula, during your labour I am space holding, hall walking, lip balming, hydrating, nourishing, fanning, cool clothing, ice chipping, shower/bath running, hip squeezing, vomit-bag holding, towel/pillow positioning, forehead stroking, encouraging, reminding, leg holding, foot rubbing, hand holding, birth ball/bed positioning, partner communicating and picture taking.

Now put two of us in a room together. That is one cared for birthing person!

Tanis Bonar ~ Island Moon Doula