Doula vs. midwife: what’s the difference?

A doula is a trained professional who offers caring, non-medical support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period—providing reassurance, encouragement, and emotional and physical support along the way.

A midwife, on the other hand, is a trained medical professional who provides medical care, performs examinations, and can diagnose and manage medical needs, including prescribing medication where permitted, and managing birth complications.