Doulas & Midwives
Doulas
& Midwives
These trained experts offer extra assistance — or an alternative to your OB — during pregnancy and birth.
What is a doula or midwife?
Though they’re often lumped together, doulas and midwives are very different:
Doulas are a member of your support system either during birth or postpartum.
- Birth doulas are by your side during delivery, offering nonmedical support like breathing, massage, emotional support, and medical advocacy.
- Postpartum doulas help you recover from birth. Their role can include helping care for your baby or their siblings, and providing lactation support.
Doulas are not licensed medical professionals, though they may go through a certification process.
Midwives are trained medical professionals.
They frequently serve in the role of an OB as an independent medical provider for all your prenatal care, birth, and the early postpartum period.
A certified nurse-midwife can do many of the same things as doctors, including:
- perform annual wellness exams
- perform gynecological exams
- provide prenatal care
- prescribe medications
- give labor-inducing drugs
- monitor the fetus using electronic equipment
- order pain medications during labor
- order an epidural
- perform an episiotomy
- deliver a baby vaginally
- assist with cesarean sections
- resuscitate a baby
- stitch tears
Why would I work with a doula or midwife?
Pregnancy and new motherhood can create surprising feelings of isolation and loneliness. Doulas understand what you’re going through, and can be your biggest cheerleader and advocate as you give birth and adjust to life as a new mom.
Moms who work with doulas report greater satisfaction with childbirth, fewer incidences of postpartum depression, increased self-esteem, better mother-infant interaction, and improved breastfeeding success.
In Illinois, the majority of midwives practice in hospitals. Midwives also are chosen by women with low-risk pregnancies who are considering a home birth or a birth center as an alternative.
How do I find a doula or midwife?
Various organizations and nonprofits across the state and country host databases to connect mothers with a doula. The list below is a sampling of trusted resources:
- DONA International
- BA NIA — For BIPOC birthing people on the South Side of Chicago
- NDoula Community Alliance
- Black Mamas Matter Alliance partner list
- Sokana Collective
- Black Doula Directory
Questions for a potential doula:
- What training have you had?
- What services do you provide?
- What are your fees?
- Are you available for my due date?
- What made you decide to become a doula?
- What is your philosophy regarding childbirth?
- Would you be available to meet with me before the birth to discuss my birth plan?
- What happens if for some reason you are not available at the time I give birth?
Similarly, many resources exist for finding a midwife. We recommend The American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Questions for a potential midwife:
- What training have you had? Schools, degrees, certificates, preceptorships, internships, etc.?
- Are you trained/certified in neonatal resuscitation?
- How many births have you attended? How long have you been attending births as a primary midwife?
- Where can I find reviews for your services?
- Do you have a backup midwife? Will I meet her?
- What complications and emergencies have you seen and how were they handled?
- What circumstances/conditions would rule out your attendance?
- What complications/emergencies are you prepared to handle?
- Under what circumstances do you transfer to a hospital?
- How much do you charge for your services? Do insurance plans cover your fee?
Insurance coverage for a midwife or doula varies, so check with your provider. As of May 2024, Illinois is working to expand doula and midwife coverage for all insurance types.
Additional Reading
Exploring Second Opinions
Going to a second doctor about pregnancy-related issues or questions is your right.
READ MORE 
Black Maternal Health
Black mothers have been found to face barriers to equitable maternal care.
READ MORE
Caring for Yourself After Delivery
It takes time to recover — it's important to take care of you!