Doula vs. Midwife vs. OB-GYN: What's the Difference?

Reviewed by Debbie Forbes, former registered nurse and founder of Northeast Doulas.
General information, not medical advice. Doulas give non-medical support, so please take medical questions to your doctor or midwife.

If you're new to pregnancy, the roles of doulas, midwives, and OB-GYNs can blur together. Here's how they differ.

OB-GYN

An obstetrician is a physician who provides medical care throughout pregnancy and delivers your baby. They manage clinical decisions and can perform surgery, including cesareans.

Midwife

A midwife is a licensed medical provider who delivers babies and manages care, often for lower-risk pregnancies, with a focus on physiologic birth.

Doula

A doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides continuous physical and emotional support and information. A doula does not deliver babies or make clinical decisions — she complements your medical team.

Why many families choose both

Your OB or midwife manages the medical side; your doula provides the continuous, personal support that busy clinical staff often can't. Learn more in our FAQ or explore birth doula support. Questions? Contact us.

Questions about doula support?

Northeast Doulas has served Westchester, Fairfield County & NYC families for over 18 years.

Contact UsRead the FAQ