Do I Need a Doula If I Have a Midwife?

This is probably the question I get asked more than any other, and I completely understand why. You’ve got a midwife — so why would you also need a doula?

Aren’t they the same thing?

Short answer: no. And understanding the difference could genuinely change your birth experience.

Your midwife is incredible — and also very busy

Let me be clear: I have enormous respect for midwives. They are skilled, dedicated and absolutely essential. But the NHS is under pressure, and the reality of maternity care right now is that your midwife is likely looking after multiple women at once. She may only be with you for part of your labour. She may change at shift handover. You may not have met her before the day you give birth.

None of that is her fault. It’s just the reality of the system she’s working within.

So where does a doula come in?

I fill the gaps — and they’re bigger gaps than most people realise.

While your midwife focuses on your clinical care (monitoring you and your baby, managing any medical decisions, keeping you safe), I focus entirely on you as a person. Your emotions, your comfort, your confidence. I’m not there to replace your midwife — I’m there to complement her.

I’ve heard so many women say they felt too overwhelmed to advocate for themselves in the moment, or that they weren’t sure what was happening during their labour. That’s exactly where I come in. I help you understand your options, encourage you to ask questions, and make sure your voice is heard — all while keeping the atmosphere as calm and positive as possible.

What about my partner?

This is something a lot of couples don’t think about until they’re in the thick of it — your partner is going through this too. They want to support you more than anything in the world, but they’re also scared, emotional, and often completely out of their depth (through no fault of their own!).

Having me there means your partner can actually be present — emotionally, not just physically. I can guide them on how to support you, reassure them when things feel intense, and make sure they don’t feel like they’re standing in the corner feeling helpless. Partners often tell me afterwards that they felt so much more involved and confident because I was there.

Is a doula only for certain types of births?

Absolutely not. I’ve supported women through home births, water births, c-sections, inductions — you name it. A planned caesarean, for example, can feel quite clinical and daunting. Having a familiar, reassuring face in that room alongside the surgical team makes the most incredible difference.

There is no “right” type of birth to have a doula for. If you want continuous, personalised support — a doula is for you.

Still not sure? That’s completely okay. I offer a free discovery call for exactly this reason — a proper chat, no pressure, just getting to know each other. Because at the end of the day, your birth experience matters. You matter. And you deserve to have someone in your corner, every step of the way. 💛