Help! What’s the Difference Between a Doula, a Midwife and an Obstetrician?
If you’re pregnant and trying to figure out who you actually need on your birth team, you’re not alone. Most Central Coast families come to me saying: “I know what an obstetrician does… I think I know what a midwife does… and I sort of know what a doula does… but how do they all fit together and what will work for me?”
So let’s break it down — simply, clearly, and without the jargon or the bias.
Obstetrician (OB): The Clinical Specialist for High Risk & Complications
An obstetrician is a medical doctor specialising in pregnancy, birth, surgery and complications. Their philosophy is inherently medical: monitor risk, treat problems early, and prioritise clinical safety.
When they support: Primarily during pregnancy appointments and during the actual birth (though they are not usually there the entire time), especially in private hospitals.
Training: Medical degree + years of specialist training
Pros: Expertise in high-risk situations, surgical skills, access to interventions. High continuity of care and access to medical resources (like testing, ultrasounds etc)
Cons: Research does show that private OBs have higher caesarean section and medical intervention rates, but keep in mind this is their bread and butter and it’s what they are known for. Having a private OB is $5-10k out of pocket.
The Modern Doula’s Take: OBs are great when required because of their specialised skillset, but for a low risk, healthy pregnancy, you would be intentionally medicalising your birth by choosing an OB to care for you.
Midwife: Clinical Professional Supporting Normal Birth
A midwife is a trained health professional who supports low-risk pregnancies and the clinical side of labour and birth. Their philosophy is centred around physiological birth — but within hospital systems that have policies, timeframes and procedures to follow. Most women will access midwifery care through their local public hospital, but some may choose a Private Practicing Midwife (PPM) which cost around $5k.
When they support: Antenatal appointments (depending on your model of care), labour, birth and for 5 days postpartum. If you have a PPM, they will usually support you up to 6 weeks postpartum.
Training: Nursing/midwifery degree.
Pros: Advocates for physiological birth, skilled in normal labour, supportive bedside manner.
Cons: Shift changes, high workloads in busy hospitals, limited time for emotional support or continuous care.
The Modern Doula’s Take: if you can get a midwife in a caseload or Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) program, this is an incredible option because it means you’ll get to know the same midwife throughout your pregnancy and ideally have them support you in labour too!
Doula: The Non-Clinical Support & Birth Guide
A doula (like me — The Modern Doula) provides continuous emotional, practical and evidence-based support for the entire pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey. We’re not clinical, but we are skilled birth professionals and are trained to support in non-medical ways throughout birth. We also support throughout your pregnancy and postpartum in a nurturing, caring way.
When we support: Pregnancy, early labour at home, active labour, birth and postpartum.
Training: Training is not required, but most doulas will do a certification of some sort. Some doulas, like myself, will also have additional trainings like Optimal Maternal Positioning (OMP), Spinning Babies, Born Ready Method.
Pros: Complete continuity of care, partner support, birth preparation, advocacy guidance, emotional regulation, comfort techniques, non medical support.
Cons: We don’t do clinical tasks — and that’s actually the point.
How We Work Together
A strong birth team may blends all three roles.
Your OB (if you choose to have one) handles medical oversight and complications
Your midwife manages clinical care of you and your baby during labour.
Your doula supports your emotions, environment, movement, comfort and confidence.
Together, we each play a different part — and when those parts align, families experience safer, calmer, more empowered births.
So… who do you really need?
If birth is not primarily a clinical event — and for most healthy women, it isn’t — wouldn’t you want someone on your team whose sole role is non-clinical birth support? Someone who understands your body, your preferences, your nervous system and your confidence… not just your cervix?
That’s where a Central Coast doula changes everything!
Not ALL women will need an OB and some will even choose not to have a midwife. In my opinion though, your best chance of having a positive, empowering birth within the hospital system (or at home) is to have midwifery care and doula support combined.
If you’re curious or want to know more, book an obligation free connect call here and let’s chat!