The Difference Between An OB/GYN, Midwife And Doula

Obstetricians, gynecologists, midwives and doulas play important roles during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. While each professional supports individuals and families through this transformative time, their training and scope of care differ.

For anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or simply exploring reproductive health options, understanding these distinctions can help idenfity the right type of care.

OB/GYN

OB/GYN stands for obstetrician-gynecologist, a physician who specializes in both obstetrics and gynecology.

• Obstetrics focuses on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.
• Gynecology addresses reproductive and hormonal health, including the care of the uterus, ovaries, and other reproductive organs.

OB/GYNs complete four years of medical school, followed by a four-year residency and, in some cases, additional years of fellowship training. They are certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).

Obstetricians provide comprehensive medical care throughout pregnancy and delivery. They monitor fetal and maternal health, perform births, and are trained to carry out surgical procedures such as cesarean sections (C-sections) when needed. Their role often includes supporting the physical and emotional recovery of the parent after childbirth.

Gynecologists, in contrast, focus on reproductive and sexual health outside of pregnancy. They may prescribe medications, perform surgeries and provide preventive screenings of reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries.

Most OB/GYNs are trained in both specialties, offering complete reproductive and pregnancy care. They may even serve as a primary care provider for patients.

Midwife

Like OB/GYNs, midwives may provide a range of reproductive and general health services, such as annual exams, contraception counseling, and menopause support. Their work, however, is most often associated with pregnancy, birth and postpartum care.

Midwives typically focus on low-risk pregnancies and collaborate closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals when additional medical expertise is required. Individuals with high-risk pregnancies—such as those with preexisting conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or multiple gestations (twins, triplets, etc.)—are often co-managed by an OB/GYN or a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

Most midwives in the United States have completed graduate-level training and are licensed to provide prenatal, birth, and postpartum care. In the U.S., there are three primary midwifery credentials:

• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): A registered nurse (RN) with a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.
• Certified Midwife (CM): A non-nurse who holds a postgraduate degree in midwifery and certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board.
• Certified Professional Midwife (CPM): A practitioner certified by the North American Registry of Midwives, with demonstrated expertise in out-of-hospital births.

Midwives can support births in various settings:

• Home births: For those with low-risk pregnancies, midwives offer guidance and medical support throughout labor and delivery in a home environment.
• Freestanding birth centers: These are independent facilities designed to provide a home-like, comfortable atmosphere for childbirth. Midwives typically lead the care team, sometimes in collaboration with physicians.
• Hospital-based birth centers: Many certified nurse-midwives work within hospitals, combining personalized, holistic support with access to pain management options and emergency medical care if needed.

Doula

A doula is a trained professional who offers continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Unlike midwives, doulas are not medical providers; they do not deliver babies or perform medical procedures, but they play an essential supportive and advocacy role.

A doula helps expectant parents prepare for birth through personalized discussions and birth planning. During labor, they provide continuous presence and guidance. They offer comfort measures such as breathing techniques, massage and labor positions while involving partners or other support people as part of the birth team.

After delivery, doulas assist with early bonding, emotional adjustment, and breastfeeding support. Their goal is to ensure the parent feels informed, respected, and cared for throughout the entire process.

Choosing the Right Provider

Each of these professionals plays a valuable part in reproductive and birth care:

• OB/GYNs provide full medical and surgical expertise, ideal for high-risk pregnancies or those wanting hospital-based care.
• Midwives offer a holistic, relationship-based approach and may be the best fit for low-risk pregnancies.
• Doulas provide non-medical emotional and physical support that complements either medical or midwifery care.

Many people choose a combination of providers. For example, working with both a midwife and a doula or an OB/GYN and a doula, to create a balanced, supportive birth team.