FAQ · Family Services
Does a doula replace my doctor or midwife?
No. A doula provides non-clinical support alongside your licensed healthcare team. Your physician or midwife continues to manage your medical care, and the doula works with them, not instead of them. Most families keep their provider and add a doula for continuous support.
Two different roles
Your doctor or midwife manages the clinical side of your care: exams, monitoring, and medical decisions. Your doula manages the support side: comfort, communication, and continuous presence.
They work together
Doulas regularly work alongside physicians and midwives in hospitals, birth centers, and homes. A doula can help you communicate with your provider, which most care teams welcome.
You still need a provider
Every family needs a licensed care provider for clinical care. A doula is an addition to your care team, never a replacement for it.
Ask your provider
If you are curious how a doula would fit with your practice, ask your provider. Many are familiar with doula support and can explain how the two roles work together.
Still have questions?
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