If you are planning on having a home birth, you may be considering hiring a doula, a midwife or both. But what exactly are doulas and midwives? Also, what are their roles during your pregnancy and birth of your child?
There are four types of midwives.
The first is a certified nurse midwife (CNM) who has at least a bachelor's degree and has completed both nursing as well as midwifery training. According to the Nemours Foundation, a CNM has taken the necessary exams to become a certified midwife, or CM, but does not have qualifications as a registered nurse.
A CNM may work in conjunction with a doctor as most births assisted by CNMs occur in hospitals. CNMs may use electronic fetal monitoring, labor-inducing drugs, pain medications, epidurals and episiotomies.
The lay or direct-entry midwife may or may not have a college degree or a certification, but may have trained through apprenticeship, workshops, formal instruction or a combination of these.
A certified professional midwife (CPM) has passed written exams and hands-on skill evaluations to become certified by the North American Registry of Midwives.
It is very important to note that a certified midwife, certified professional midwife, or direct-entry midwife may not legally be allowed to use any medical techniques without a doctor's supervision, while a certified nurse midwife can work independently.
In case of an emergency none of the above midwives can perform an emergency caesarean section.
There are two types of doulas. The first is the birth doula and the second is the postpartum doula.
A doula must go through certification, training and participate in live births. However, requirements vary from state to state. During the birthing process and approximately three months prior, a doula becomes a pregnant woman’s coach and best friend.
A doula is there to provide supportive care for a pregnant woman during labor. She can provide massage, as well as offer advice on different labor positions. After the birth of your child, a doula can also offer counsel on healing after childbirth, breastfeeding and general care for your newborn.
Here are some important questions to ask a potential doula and midwife, if you are considering a home birth:
• What is your training?
• Can you tell me the services you provide?
• What are your fees?
• What is your availability around my due date?
• What made you become a doula or midwife?
• What is your philosophy regarding childbirth?
• What type of birthing plan do we need to put together?
Sources:
"What Is The Difference Between A Midwife And A Doula? Pregnancy Blog."What Is The Difference Between A Midwife And A Doula? Pregnancy Blog. Web. 08 June 2014.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyblog/2011/11/what-is-the-difference-between-a-midwife-and-a-doula
ʺMidwives.ʺ American Pregnancy Association. American Pregnancy Association. Web. 08 June 2014.
http://americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/midwives.html
"Having a Doula." American Pregnancy Association. American Pregnancy Association. Web. 08 June 2014.
http://americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/havingadoula.html
"Midwives." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. Ed. Larissa Hirsch. The Nemours Foundation, 01 Nov. 2011. Web. 05 June 2014.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/pregnancy_center/childbirth/midwives.html
Reviewed June 9, 2014
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith