I've heard it said, when talking with women about their upcoming births with a midwife as their care provider, that they don't need a doula because their midwife will be acting as both a midwife and a doula. Now, I am supportive of everyones decisions regarding birth but I think it is important to know why there are doulas and why there are midwives. So here's a little chart that explains why this is so:

Midwives are absolutely amazing, there's no doubt about that. But no women (or man) that I've ever met has the ability to all at once support mom 110% and deliver a baby. Some midwives will stay with mom as she labors, which is an amazing benefit, but once it's time to push, the midwives' main job is to care for you and baby physiologically. A doula continues to support you emotionally the whole way through, and beyond. Doulas hold legs for pushing, keep mom focused, make sure that there is plenty of warm/cold water and washcloths, reassure dad and the list goes on. I hope that this infographic will help you in deciding who to recruit for your birth team and please give us a call or email if you have any questions. We can't wait to support you through your birth experience.