Choosing your care team
Who does what, how their training differs, and how to pick the people and the place for your birth.
6 guides · 82 sources cited · By The Mom Site editorial team
In short
Doulas give non-clinical support, midwives and OBs give medical care, and where you give birth shapes your options. These guides compare the roles side by side, with the questions to ask before you hire anyone.
6 choosing your care guides
Doula, midwife, OB, birth center or hospital: who does what, and how to pick the right people for your birth.
What does a doula do? Birth and postpartum doulas explainedA doula gives non-medical support: comfort and advocacy in labor, help at home after birth. What doulas do and don't do, the evidence, and how they get paid.13 sources · 6 min read
Doula vs midwife: what's the difference?A midwife is a licensed clinician who delivers babies. A doula gives non-medical support and doesn't. Compare training, licensing, costs and coverage.15 sources · 6 min read
CNM vs CPM vs CM: types of midwives explainedCertified nurse-midwives, certified midwives and certified professional midwives differ in training, licensing, prescribing and where they attend births.11 sources · 6 min read
Birth center vs hospital: how to choose where to give birthBirth centers are for healthy, low-risk pregnancies. Hospitals offer epidurals and surgery on site. Compare outcomes, transfers, pain relief and accreditation.16 sources · 6 min read
How to choose a doula: questions to ask before you hireStart looking in your second trimester, interview two or three doulas, and get backup and fees in writing. The interview questions, red flags and Medicaid tips.11 sources · 5 min read
IBCLC vs CLC: which lactation consultant do you need?IBCLCs are board certified after 300 to 1,000 supervised clinical hours. CLCs and peer counselors help with common issues. Who to see and how to check.16 sources · 6 min read
More guides
CostsWhat doulas, midwives, birth centers, lactation help, childcare and having a baby actually cost, and how to pay less.8 guides
Insurance and coverageWhat private insurance and Medicaid pay for during pregnancy and after birth, from doulas to breast pumps.5 guides
Postpartum and feedingGetting real help after the baby arrives: postpartum doulas, lactation support and mental health care.3 guides