What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

Midwives are professional medical providers that have extensive knowledge, training, and education in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Doulas, on the other hand, have no scope to give medical advice or perform medical interventions.

A doula’s role is to support and advocate for birthing people and their families through education, communication, and comfort measures while working as a team with medical staff to ensure the best outcomes for the family being cared for.

When should I hire a doula?

It’s truly never too late in pregnancy to hire a doula. However, the earlier you add a doula to your birthing team, the more access you’ll have to support, resources, and information throughout your pregnancy journey. Plus availability is limited, so getting on a doula’s calendar early will ensure you have the care you’re wanting in the future.

Do you only support home births?

I go where my clients go. In Arizona, we’re lucky to have several options to choose from to birth babies in: hospitals, birth centers, and right at home! And if there is a transfer from a home birth or birth center during labor, in most cases I follow my client to the hospital for continued support and advocacy.

Will a doula replace my partner?

Absolutely not. Doulas provide support and care for the entire family throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journeys. Expecting a partner to wear all of the hats during this vulnerable and often new experience is also putting a lot of pressure on their shoulders. Doulas can help to carry some of the load so the partner can truly be in the moment for their person.