If you are pregnant or planning a family, you may be hearing the term doula more often. Many people wonder what a doula actually does, how this role differs from a midwife, and whether they need to choose one or the other.
The short answer is that these roles are different and often work best together.
How Doulas Support Pregnancy and Birth
A doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. A doula does not deliver your baby or make clinical decisions. Instead, a doula focuses on supporting you throughout the birth experience.
During labor, a doula offers continuous reassurance and comfort. This can include breath coaching, position guidance, pain management, and advocacy with your healthcare provider, helping you feel calm, informed, and supported as things unfold.
Doulas, Midwives, and Obstetricians: Understanding the Differences
Midwives and OBs are medical providers responsible for prenatal care, monitoring the health of mom and baby, and making medical decisions during childbirth.
A doula does not replace a midwife or an obstetrician. You can work with a doula alongside either type of medical provider. Your midwife or obstetrician is responsible for primary medical care during pregnancy and birth, while your doula provides continuous support, guidance, and advocacy focused on your experience and needs. This collaborative approach often helps people feel both medically well cared for and deeply supported throughout labor and birth.
What a Naturopathic Doctor Brings to Doula Work
When a doula is also a licensed naturopathic doctor, their role includes additional medical training combined with holistic support. Training in pregnancy physiology, stress responses, and hormonal patterns informs how care is provided before and during birth.
In addition to doula support, a naturopathic doctor offers services such as acupuncture and, when clinically indicated, prescribe treatments such as hormones. These services can support nervous system regulation and care during pregnancy & labour, always in coordination with the primary birth provider.
To learn more and see if this type of support is the right fit, schedule a meet and greet today!
