When planning for childbirth, one of the most common questions expectant parents ask is: “Should I hire a doula or a midwife?” While both professionals play important roles during pregnancy and birth, their responsibilities, training, and focus are quite different.
In this post, we’ll explain the key differences between a doula and a midwife, and help you decide which one might be right for you — or whether you could benefit from having both.
What Is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to a birthing person before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Doulas do not perform medical tasks — their role is to support you, advocate for your wishes, and help create a calm and empowering birth experience.
Services a Doula Typically Offers:
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Continuous support during labor
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Comfort measures like massage, breathing techniques, and positioning
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Emotional reassurance for both the birthing person and partner
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Birth planning assistance
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Postpartum support
At Mamiflow in Munich, we offer compassionate and professional doula services tailored to your birth journey.
What Is a Midwife?
A midwife is a medically trained healthcare provider who specializes in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Midwives can monitor the health of the baby and the birthing person, and are often involved in low-risk births either at home, in birth centers, or hospitals.
Services a Midwife Typically Offers:
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Prenatal checkups
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Monitoring labor and fetal heart rate
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Delivering the baby
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Postpartum health checks
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Medical care during complications (depending on qualifications and country)
In Germany, midwives (Hebammen) are licensed and can offer a wide range of medical services, including care during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Doula | Midwife |
|---|---|---|
| Medical training | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Delivers baby | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Emotional support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (but not primary focus) |
| Continuous labor presence | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not always |
| Postpartum check-ups | ✅ Non-medical (emotional/practical) | ✅ Medical care |
| Legal regulation (Germany) | ❌ Not required | ✅ Required |
Can You Have Both a Doula and a Midwife?
Absolutely — and many families choose to work with both! While the midwife ensures your medical safety, the doula focuses on your comfort, emotional well-being, and advocacy. Together, they can offer a comprehensive and balanced support system during your birth.
Which One Do You Need?
Choose a Doula if:
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You want continuous emotional support
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You want help preparing your birth plan
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You need physical comfort techniques during labor
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You want extra support for your partner
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You’re seeking a more personal, empowered birth experience
Choose a Midwife if:
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You want a natural, low-intervention birth with medical safety
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You’re delivering at home or in a birth center
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You need medical prenatal and postpartum care
Choose Both if:
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You want the best of both worlds — clinical safety and holistic support
Find the Right Doula in Munich
If you’re planning your birth and want expert, compassionate care, consider working with a certified doula in Munich. At Mamiflow, we provide personalized birth support that complements your midwife’s care, helping you feel confident, calm, and supported every step of the way.