Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative experiences in a person’s life, filled with anticipation, excitement, and some understandable worries. During this special time, having the right healthcare professional to guide and support you is crucial.
In Canada, two primary options for maternity care are obstetricians/gynecologists (OBGYNs) and midwives. As an extra non-clinical care there is also doulas, who are professionals that provide invaluable support to expecting parents.
In this blog post, we will explore the differences between OBGYNs and midwives, as well as the role of doulas in the Canadian healthcare system.
OBGYNs: Expertise in Challenging Pregnancies and Women's Reproductive Health
An obstetrician/gynecologist (OBGYN) is a medical doctor who specializes in women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth. OBGYNs have extensive training in both obstetrics (pregnancy and childbirth) and gynecology (women's reproductive health). They can provide comprehensive prenatal care, deliver babies, and manage any complications that may arise during pregnancy and childbirth.
OBGYNs are particularly adept at handling high-risk pregnancies, medical conditions, and complex deliveries. They are trained to perform surgical interventions, such as cesarean sections, when necessary. These medical professionals work in hospitals and clinics, offering a wide range of diagnostic tests, medical interventions, and surgical procedures to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and baby.
Midwives: Nurturing Care with a Holistic Approach
Midwives are healthcare professionals who specialize in providing care to healthy pregnant people throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Midwifery is based on a holistic approach, focusing not only on the physical, but also the emotional, and social well-being of the pregnant person and baby. Midwives provide personalized, one-on-one care, building a strong relationship with the expectant person.
In Canada, midwifery is a regulated profession, and midwives are trained professionals who hold a university degree in midwifery. They provide care that is evidence-based, respecting the pregnant person's choices and informed decision-making. Midwives offer a range of services, including prenatal care, labor support, delivery, postpartum care, breastfeeding support, and newborn care. They often conduct home births or assist in hospital births, depending on the mother's preferences and any risk factors involved.
Doulas: Empowering Support Throughout the Journey
Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide continuous and dedicated emotional, physical, and informational support to expecting people during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. While they do not perform clinical tasks or medical interventions, doulas play a vital role in empowering parents, offering reassurance, and enhancing the overall birthing experience.
Doulas can assist with various aspects, such as providing comfort measures during labor, offering guidance on relaxation techniques, advocating for the expecting parent's preferences, facilitating communication with medical professionals, and providing postpartum support.
Collaborative Care: OBGYNs, Midwives, and Doulas Working Together
Ideally, the healthcare system should encourage collaborative care between OBGYNs, midwives, and doulas to ensure comprehensive support for expectant mothers. OBGYNs often oversee high-risk pregnancies or situations that require medical intervention, while midwives primarily provide care for low-risk pregnancies. Both OBGYNs and midwives work within the healthcare system, allowing seamless referral and consultation between the two professions when needed. Offering non-clinical, dedicated support, doulas complement the care provided by OBGYNs and midwives.
Need extra information on this topic? Click below and enrol to our Info Session!