Who is a doula ... is she a midwife?

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Who is a doula ... is she a midwife?

 

Well, the main difference between a doula and a midwife is that a midwife

is a licensed MEDICAL provider, while a doula is explicitly a NON-MEDICAL

care provider. That does not mean that a doula may not have some (or a

lot!) of medical knowledge; she is often the most helpful person to

expecting parents in figuring out options and pros and cons of medical

procedures proposed by their medical provider (i.e. OB, doctor, of

midwife). However, any kind of medical care (such as doing prenatals,

recommending supplements or drugs for specific ailments, doing vaginal

exams, catching babies etc.) is officially considered " practicing

medicine without a license " . If any licensed medical provider chooses to

prosecute a doula, she may go to jail, depending on the state's laws.

 

In my personal opinion as a doula, I find that being an explicitly

NON-MEDICAL care provider holds special power. I am the ONLY person in

the entire birthing team who does NOT constantly look for signs of

trouble during a birthing. I am usually the only person in the hospital

room who truly believes that the woman can do it ON HER OWN. I am not

paid by the hospital or the insurance, so nobody can dictate what kind of

emotional and practical support I provide - and there are many, many

different ways to create a safe environment in which a birthing

may unfold according the mom & baby's own rhythm.

 

Back to the distinctions between doulas and midwives.

I the real world, doulas and midwives use many of the same support

measures. The kind of support that I received during my second birth at

home from my midwife is in many ways my the ideal that I strive to

provide for the families whom I work with: she REALLY listened and

respected what I wanted and needed from her. Her experience and calmness

made me feel so safe that I was able to birth my baby in my own way: I

wanted no vaginal exams, so I had NONE (babies do emerge even with nobody

telling mom what to do and how to do it - our bodies just take us on an

unforgettable trip!)

 

If anyone wants to talk more with me, I am available by phone

(unfortunately, my internet access is about to run out) if you don't mind

the long distance charge to Montana: (406) 582-1272.

 

Best of luck to all of you who are blessed with a little miracle -

 

Marianne Donch Who is a doula ... is she a midwife?

 

Well, the main difference between a doula and a midwife is that a midwife

is a licensed MEDICAL provider, while a doula is explicitly a NON-MEDICAL

care provider. That does not mean that a doula may not have some (or a

lot!) of medical knowledge; she is often the most helpful person to

expecting parents in figuring out options and pros and cons of medical

procedures proposed by their medical provider (i.e. OB, doctor, of

midwife). However, any kind of medical care (such as doing prenatals,

recommending supplements or drugs for specific ailments, doing vaginal

exams, catching babies etc.) is officially considered " practicing

medicine without a license " . If any licensed medical provider chooses to

prosecute a doula, she may go to jail, depending on the state's laws.

 

In my personal opinion as a doula, I find that being an explicitly

NON-MEDICAL care provider holds special power. I am the ONLY person in

the entire birthing team who does NOT constantly look for signs of

trouble during a birthing. I am usually the only person in the hospital

room who truly believes that the woman can do it ON HER OWN. I am not

paid by the hospital or the insurance, so nobody can dictate what kind of

emotional and practical support I provide - and there are many, many

different ways to create a safe environment in which a birthing

may unfold according the mom & baby's own rhythm.

 

Back to the distinctions between doulas and midwives.

I the real world, doulas and midwives use many of the same support

measures. The kind of support that I received during my second birth at

home from my midwife is in many ways my the ideal that I strive to

provide for the families whom I work with: she REALLY listened and

respected what I wanted and needed from her. Her experience and calmness

made me feel so safe that I was able to birth my baby in my own way: I

wanted no vaginal exams, so I had NONE (babies do emerge even with nobody

telling mom what to do and how to do it - our bodies just take us on an

unforgettable trip!)

 

If anyone wants to talk more with me, I am available by phone

(unfortunately, my internet access is about to run out) if you don't mind

the long distance charge to Montana: (406) 582-1272.

 

Best of luck to all of you who are blessed with a little miracle -

 

Marianne Donch mdonch

(Certified Birth Guide-Doula)