Midwives vs Doulas in Calgary
When you start planning your birth, you’ll hear a lot about midwives and doulas. They’re both part of the support system, but they play very different roles. Midwives are your medical care providers. Doulas are your continuous emotional, informational, and physical support. When the two work together, it creates a really grounded and supportive experience.
In my work as a doula, I’ve seen how powerful that teamwork can be. You get clinical care from someone you trust, plus steady support from someone whose only focus is you and your experience. It’s a really beautiful balance.
This guide will walk you through what each role actually does, how they complement each other, and what your options are here in Alberta.
What Does a Midwife Do in Calgary?
Midwives are licensed healthcare providers in Alberta. They’re trained to care for you throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period. Think of them as your primary medical team during this season. Here’s what they take care of:
Prenatal care: They monitor your health and your baby’s health with regular appointments. They can order ultrasounds and blood work, check baby’s heart rate and growth, and answer all your medical questions.
Birth: Midwives are the ones who catch the baby. They lead the birth whether you choose home, a birth center, or a hospital. If something unexpected comes up, they are trained to handle complications or consult with an OB when needed.
Postpartum care: Midwives continue caring for you and your baby for about six weeks after birth. This often includes home visits, newborn assessments, feeding support, and checking in on your recovery.
In Alberta, midwifery care is covered by the province, so there is no out-of-pocket cost if you get accepted into care. The only catch is availability. Spots fill quickly and only a small percentage of families who apply get in, so the sooner you apply, the better. (Ideally as soon as you find out you’re pregnant).
What Does a Doula Do in Calgary?
Doulas are not medical providers. We do not monitor vitals or make clinical decisions. Our role is to support you emotionally, physically, and mentally through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Here is what that support looks like in real life:
Emotional support: We talk through fears, help you feel grounded, and make sure you feel seen and heard during labour, birth and postpartum.
Physical comfort: I offer hands-on tools such as massage, counter pressure, position changes, and other strategies to help you stay present and cope with contractions. I am right there with you through each wave.
Advocacy and guidance: I help you understand your options and encourage clear communication with your care team. Your voice matters, and I support you in using it with confidence.
Doulas are privately hired, and I offer flexible support that can be tailored to what your family needs, whether in person or virtual.
Midwives and doulas make a strong team because we focus on different aspects of care.
Midwives focus on clinical safety. They monitor vitals, assess labour progress, perform medical procedures, and ensure you and your baby are healthy throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
Doulas focus on continuous support. I provide emotional grounding, physical comfort measures, and help you and your partner feel calm, informed, and empowered throughout the experience.
When both roles are present, you get comprehensive care. Your midwife can fully focus on medical care, and I can fully focus on supporting your nervous system, helping you cope with contractions, and keeping the environment calm and grounded.
Research shows that continuous labour support from a doula is associated with shorter labours, fewer interventions, and a 25% reduction in the chance of a Cesarean birth (Cochrane Review, 2017).
Midwives support the body. Doulas support the mind and experience. Together, we support the whole person.
1. Find a Midwife:
Reach out to Alberta Health Services–funded midwifery clinics or use the Alberta Association of Midwives directory to submit an intake form. Midwifery care fills quickly, so it’s best to apply as soon as you have a confirmed positive pregnancy test.
2. Hire a Doula
Reach out to me at www.laurenhaledoula.ca for a free consultation. I’ll customize support for your birth vision, whether hospital or home. Most doulas offer free consultations, so that you can shop around and find someone that meshes with your personality the best. Having the right person with you is so important!
3. Combine Forces
Share your support plan with your midwife so we can coordinate during labour. I can join you at any Calgary hospital, the Arbour Birth Center, or at your home.
Comparison Table: Midwife vs Doula
| Aspect | Midwife | Doula |
|---|---|---|
| Training | Medical (4-year degree) | Non-medical (certification) |
| Role | Primary care, delivery | Emotional/physical support |
| Cost in Calgary | Free via AHS | Private |
| Availability | Limited spots | Flexible scheduling |
| Birth Settings | Hospital, home, birth center | Any setting |
Why This Matters for Your Calgary Birth
Choosing both a midwife and a doula maximizes your support. Midwives ensure safety; doulas ensure comfort. In Calgary’s busy maternity system, this combo can make your birth setting feel personal and empowering. Ready to build your birth team? Visit www.laurenhaledoula.ca to book a consultation and see how I can complement your midwife’s (or OB’s) care for a birth you’ll cherish.