In short
- A midwife is a trained clinical professional who looks after your health and your baby's.
- A doula gives emotional and practical support. They don't give medical care.
- The two work well together, and some families have both.
Put simply, a midwife looks after your health and your baby's health. A doula looks after how you feel.
What a midwife does
A midwife is a trained clinical professional. Every midwife practising in the UK must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Most people in the UK are cared for by NHS midwives, and this care is free. Some families choose a private midwife, sometimes called an independent midwife. A private midwife can provide your full maternity care. That means antenatal appointments, clinical checks, support during birth and postnatal care for you and your baby. You see the same trusted person all the way through, rather than whoever is on shift.
What a doula does
A doula supports you emotionally and practically. They are not a medical professional and do not provide clinical care. They won't check your blood pressure or deliver your baby.
What they will do is get to know you during pregnancy, help you understand your options, support you through labour and help you find your feet afterwards. Read more about what a doula does.
Side by side
| Doula | NHS midwife | Private midwife | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical care | No | Yes | Yes |
| Registered with the NMC | No | Yes | Yes |
| Emotional and practical support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Same person throughout | Yes | Not always | Yes |
| Attends your birth | Usually | Yes | Yes |
| Typical cost | £800 to £2,500 | Free | £4,000 to £8,000 |
How they work together
Very well, in most cases. Your midwife takes care of the clinical side. Your doula focuses on you, your birth partner and how you're feeling.
Doulas regularly support women and birthing people during NHS hospital births, and midwives on shift are used to working with them. A doula usually counts as one of your birth partners, so check your hospital's policy on how many you can have.
Can I have both?
Yes. Some families hire a private midwife for clinical care and a doula for emotional support. Most families choose one or the other, and plenty choose a doula alongside standard NHS care.
The word doula comes from Greek and means a woman who serves. Doulas have supported women and birthing people for thousands of years. The modern profession simply gives that ancient role a name and some training.
Hiring a doula or private midwife is a choice that sits alongside your NHS care. It doesn't replace it. Your NHS midwifery team will still be there for you throughout your pregnancy, whatever you decide.
Who this guide isn't for. If you're looking for medical advice about your pregnancy, speak to your midwife or GP. This guide is about choosing support, not about clinical decisions.