Roy Pitkin, M.D., is a professor of obstetrics and
gynecology and is the former chair of the ob/gyn
department at the University of California, Los
Angeles School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor
to national health agencies on women's health issues and has
received numerous international honors for this work.
Q:What's the difference between a nurse-midwife and a doula?
A: A midwife is a registered nurse who has taken special training (usually involving a Master's degree) in midwifery. She learns to provide care for a normal pregnancy, including birth and postpartum care for mother and infant, and to recognize abnormalities that require a consultation with a physician. A doula has no special training and provides only personal and psychological support during labor.
Important disclaimer: The information on keepkidshealthy.com is for educational purposes only and should not be considered to bemedical advice. It is not meant to replace the advice of the physician who cares for your child. All medical advice and information should be considered to be incomplete without a physical exam, which is not possible without a visit to your doctor.