What's the Difference Between an Obstetrician, Midwife and a Doula?
-
Bethany - 30 Jun, 2025
What’s the Difference Between an Obstetrician, Midwife and a Doula?
If you’re pregnant or thinking about it, the world of birth support can feel like a maze. OB? Midwife? Doula? It might be hard to know the differences (or explain them to someone else, like you’re partner!)
Let’s break it all down, mom-to-mom.
TL;DR
| Role | Medical Training | Can Catch Babies? | Offers Emotional Support? | Covered by Insurance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician (OB) | Yes – full MD | Yes | Sometimes (but it’s not their job) | Usually, yes |
| Midwife | Yes – but not MDs | Yes | Definitely | Sometimes |
| Doula | Nope! | Nope! | 1000% yes | Usually not (but HSA/FSA friendly) |
Let’s unpack that.
OB-GYN: The Medical Doctor
Who they are: OBs (short for Obstetricians) are full-on medical doctors who specialize in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. Think: surgeries, high-risk pregnancies, C-sections, prescribing meds, and all the medical things.
What they’re great at:
- Managing medical complications
- Doing ultrasounds and tests
- Delivering babies (especially if things get complicated)
- Performing surgeries, like C-sections
When to choose an OB:
- If you have a high-risk pregnancy
- If you want to deliver in a hospital with access to full medical care
- If you feel most comfortable with a highly clinical approach
Midwife: The Holistic Medical Pro
Who they are: Midwives are licensed professionals trained in supporting healthy, low-risk pregnancies. There are a few types (like CNMs, CPMs, and CMs), but Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are the most common and often work in hospitals.
What they’re great at:
- Supporting natural, low-intervention births
- Spending more time with you during prenatal visits
- Attending births in hospitals, birth centers, or even your home
- Focusing on the whole you – not just your charts
When to choose a midwife:
- You want a natural birth but still want medical backup if needed
- You’re low-risk and want a more personalized touch
- You like the idea of someone who knows your baby’s name before delivery
Doula: The Birth BFF
Who they are: Doulas are non-medical support people trained to guide you emotionally and physically through labor, birth, and postpartum. Think: the best cheerleader ever.
What they’re great at:
- Helping you create and stick to your birth plan
- Coaching you through contractions
- Keeping your partner from panicking
- Making you feel like you’ve got this (because you do)
When to choose a doula:
- You want someone in your corner the whole time
- You want to feel heard, supported, and empowered
- You want to cry and curse and still be reminded you’re a badass
- You want to debrief and reflect on your birth
💁♀️ Note: A doula doesn’t replace an OB or a midwife – they’re part of your dream team.
Can You Have More Than One?
Yes! A lot of people build a combo birth team, for example:
- OB + Doula: for medical care + emotional support
- Midwife + Doula: for natural care + serious support
- Midwife in the hospital: yes, that’s totally a thing
Some even add pelvic floor therapists, lactation consultants, or postpartum doulas later on (hi, Find Mama Care is here for that).
Hopefully this explanation gets you one step further in your birth preparations!