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Ok so let’s get some professional roles clarified, shall we? When it comes to women’s health, most people have heard of an OB/GYN and can probably tell you why women often try to avoid seeing theirs. In fact, until I was about 18, I had never heard of a midwife or a doula! I thought OB/GYNs were the doctors for women through adulthood, who were able to deliver babies. So, let me break it down for those that have been misinformed, like myself, or may not know what a midwife or doula are. OB/GYNs are, indeed surgeons, therefore are medically trained professionals. They are trained and skilled doctors who have completed the minimum of a 4 year college degree, followed by medical school (usually another 4 years) followed by a residency (yes, 4 more years). They spend A LOT of time in school before they can actually be your doctor without supervision, which is good. We need OB/GYNs because they know all the stuff that can go wrong, and how to effectively fix it. Like I said, they’re surgeons, so they can cut you open and save your life, when/if it needs saving. Their schooling and experience is designed to teach them how to treat the ABNORMAL things women experience through their lives. These doctors are great resources and we need them to be available for when we need them most. Midwives are also medically trained professionals. Quick ah-ha moment here: midwife has an Old English origin meaning 'with woman'. Now, there are a few routes people can take to become midwives, but for the sake of not getting things overly complicated, I’ll stick to the route of a certified nurse midwife (CNM) because I know it quite well. If you’re interested, we can talk about the other types of midwives in the comments. Certified nurse midwives are registered nurses first, then complete a master’s degree program to allow them to take their certification exam. Most states recognize CNMs as advanced practice providers and they can practice midwifery care according to their state guidelines. CNMs are NOT surgeons and are trained and educated to take care of NORMAL things women experience in their lives. CNMs can counsel and support women about birth control, regular health screenings, normal pregnancy care, vaginal births, postpartum and through menopause. If, for any reason, you develop complications, the CNM will consult with, or refer you to, their OB/GYN friend—see why it’s good to have them? CNMs vary greatly with OB/GYNs in their ability to connect with women—oh, look! That phrase again—and form relationships that offer a feeling of openness and honesty. Remember, they are nurses first, so the CNM approach looks at women as whole persons and considers each patient individually when assisting them in creating a plan for their health. CNMs practice in a model that does not encourage interventions and supports allowing a woman’s body to do what it was created to do and make their own informed decisions. (I’m summarizing a lot, but again, not trying to lose you.) A provider that knows what’s normal and when things aren’t and what to do about it? Yeah, a lot of women need that in their lives. Doulas are not medically trained professionals. They can be certified through a variety of programs or agencies, but there are no overseeing organizations to regulate their practice, at this time. Doulas are trained using the apprenticeship model, which means they often learn on the job and by a teacher currently in that role. Doulas are one-on-one support for women and their families. The definition of a doula may vary by the type of doula you may ask. Now, I don't want to lose you so let me explain what I mean by "type of doula”. There are labor support doulas, postpartum doulas, breastfeeding doulas, and many more. Essentially, a doula assists a birthing woman. They will provide comfort measures in labor, such as: aromatherapy, positioning recommendations, massage, hydration and nutrition support and much more. A postpartum doula may recommend vaginal recovery therapies, emotional support or whatever the birther and family need as they transition. Breastfeeding doulas are very specific in that they offer breastfeeding advice and support to breastfeeding mothers. They may have breastfeeding positioning tips and tricks, suggestions on how to increase milk supply and nutrition advice for colicky babies. There is a ton of current evidence that suggests that women who have continuous labor support (labor doula) have lower rates of c-sections and NICU admissions. Wow, if the data says they have good results, why don’t all women have a labor doula?! (Rhetorical question, but I could rant on this at a later time.) I hope I haven’t lost you. I know, this is a lot of information and you really just want to know what you need? So, let me sum it up for you so you can get on with your life! Basically, if you do not have pre-existing conditions such as: diabetes, heart complications requiring regular monitoring, a seizure disorder that you are actively taking anti-seizure medication for, cancer that is currently being treated or an autoimmune disorder*, you should be seeing a CNM! If you do have any of the above mentioned conditions, you need an OB/GYN. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you would benefit from having a doula. Use this link for help finding a CNM near you https://www.midwife.org/find-a-midwife ~This is not an ad~ *This is not an all-inclusive list and some other conditions may require obstetrician consultation