Do I Still Need a Doula If I Have a Midwife? Here’s Why the Answer Might Surprise You

If you’ve already chosen a midwife for your birth — amazing! You’re choosing a model of care that’s personal, evidence-based, and truly centered around you. But maybe you’ve found yourself wondering: “If I already have a midwife… do I still need a doula?”

It’s a really common question, and I get it all the time from families here in Clarkston and across Southeast Michigan. The truth? Doulas and midwives actually complement each other beautifully — and having both can make your birth experience more peaceful, informed, and supported.

1. Do I Need a Doula If I Have a Midwife? Here’s the Real Difference

Your midwife is there to monitor your and your baby’s health — checking your vitals, progress, and safety. Your doula, on the other hand, focuses completely on your emotional and physical well-being.

Think of your doula as your steady presence — the one who helps your partner know what to do, reminds you to breathe, and helps you stay calm when things get intense. As one of my clients shared, “Mary gave my husband and me a voice of direction and reason when we were exhausted and emotional.”

That’s the difference — a midwife cares for you medically, while a doula cares for you personally.

2. Doulas and Midwives Make an Amazing Team

When I walk into a birth alongside a midwife, it’s not competition — it’s teamwork. The midwife can focus on monitoring baby and the safety aspects of labor while I can pour into you — offering comfort measures, position changes, prayers if you want them, and emotional support.

Together, we make sure you’re never left wondering what’s happening or feeling alone.

3. You Deserve to Feel Fully Supported

Even with a wonderful midwife, you might still want more continuous presence and reassurance — especially during those long, unpredictable hours of labor. Your doula stays by your side, from the first contraction until your baby is in your arms.

That kind of steady support can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered.

4. Local Moms in Michigan Are Choosing Both

More and more families across Clarkston, Grand Blanc, Troy, and the surrounding areas are realizing that doulas and midwives aren’t “either/or” — they’re a dream team. Whether you’re planning a home birth, birth center birth, or hospital delivery, having both can give you confidence, peace, and connection.

5. Your Birth, Your Team

At the end of the day, this is your birth and your experience. The goal is for you to feel supported, informed, and never alone.

If you’re still wondering whether you need both, let’s talk through your hopes, your fears, and what kind of support you’d love to have. Every family is different — and that’s exactly why I love this work.

💛 Want to Learn More?

If you’re in the Clarkston or Southeast Michigan area and curious about how a doula can work alongside your midwife, I’d love to chat.Schedule a free consultation and let’s build your dream birth team — together.