How does a doula differ from a midwife?

The distinction between a doula and a midwife lies fundamentally in the roles they play during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. A doula is primarily focused on providing emotional, physical, and informational support to the family throughout the entire childbirth process. This support can include helping the birthing person with relaxation techniques, offering comfort measures, and providing information about the birthing process to help the family make informed choices.

On the other hand, a midwife is a trained health professional who provides medical care, which includes monitoring the health of the mother and baby, performing medical procedures, and facilitating the delivery of the baby. Midwives are equipped to handle complications and are responsible for the clinical aspects of childbirth.

This distinction clarifies why the correct answer accurately captures that a doula provides support and information while a midwife offers medical care. Understanding this difference is crucial for anyone involved in childbirth preparation and support.