What is the difference between a doula, midwife, night nurse and nanny?

This question has been asked long enough by many care seekers and care professionals. When we ask ChatGPT, AI too doesn’t have the full scope comprehended. As the longest standing doula organization in the state of Illinois and pioneer in this work from an evidence based and holistic, trauma-informed lens, Birthways would like to outline the each role, side by side, and elevate the role doulas play in the broader landscape supporting well being for families:

Doula

Who are they and what do they do? 

In ancient Greek the word Doula is translated as “servant to women”, interpreted as “mothering the mother” in modern culture. A doula is a non medical professional who has a calling to support mothers and families before, during and the year after birth in all birth and postpartum circumstances. Training and certification is encouraged, but not mandatory. Some are specialists in other areas i.e infant care specialists, sleep consultants, midwives, trauma informed practitioners, mindfulness coaches, etc. Doulas provide practical and emotional support for the full spectrum of the transition to parenting. This includes support for the mind-body experience of the primary parent and their relationship with their partner, birth team, postpartum village, newborn baby and entire household.

Clients that love them are …?

Looking for a calming knowledgeable presence, “an advocate”, and an extra layer of support for their physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual needs into and through early parenthood. Doulas are appreciated for their flexible, non-judgemental, compassionate and informed approach. They empower and resource the individual client experience and hold space as they walk beside their clients navigating this major life transition.

Midwife

Who are they and what do they do? 

They are a licensed healthcare professional who provides medical care to pregnant women, assists in childbirth and offers postpartum health care for female bodies. A CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) or CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife) offers an alternative approach or tools to support women’s health than an Obstetrician, who is a trained surgeon and supports a high-risk midwifery patient.

Clients that love them are …?

Typically looking for an alternative to the western medical model of physiological birth. Many midwifery patients experience more personal attention at regular visits, and are not just treated as a number in a system.

Night Nurse

Who are they and what do they do?

They are providers who support newborns overnight, allowing parents to rest and recover from birth. Some have experience as certified nurses, doulas or infant care specialists. They specialize in caring for newborns and infants’ needs, assisting with sleep training, feeding routines and other newborn care tasks. 

Clients that love them are …?

Looking for sleep short term after the baby is born. These clients are looking for a trusted professional who can offer them expertise and immediate relief from their concerns about sleep.

Nanny

Who are they and what do they do? 

Part time or full time, regular, long-term childcare providers who help to raise and care for a child or children in a home. Varying in experience and training, they are responsible for feeding, entertaining and supervising children and supporting with light household related tasks as it relates to the children.

Clients that love them are …?

Grateful for the additional hired and trusted support raising their child(ren).

It takes a village and every family’s needs are different as this transition into parenthood looks all different ways. The role of the doula includes the scope of the nanny and night nurse plus an incredible amount more! Birthways Doulas have the training, certification and professional mentorship within our community to provide wonderful support for the primary caregiver (aka mom) and the entire household.

Connect with us to learn about the Birthways care experience, rooted in evidence based, holistic and a mindfulness based approach to care!