Understanding Different Types of Birthworkers and How They Support Families

When you begin your pregnancy journey, you may hear many different words used to describe the people who support families. Doula, midwife, lactation consultant, childbirth educator, community birthworker, and more. Each role exists for a reason and each contributes something unique to your care.

Understanding these roles can help you choose the support that fits your needs and gives you the strongest birth and postpartum experience possible.

Birth doulas

A birth doula provides emotional and physical support during pregnancy and labor. They help families understand their options, teach comfort techniques, support breathing and relaxation, and help families navigate changes that may happen during birth.

Birth doulas watch more than your contractions. They watch your emotional cues, your movement, your comfort level, and your energy. Their job is to stay alert to your needs in ways that medical professionals often cannot due to clinical demands.

Postpartum doulas

Postpartum doulas focus on the first days and weeks after birth. Their role is to support healing, rest, feeding, bonding, and the transition into parenthood. They help with newborn care, assist with feeding challenges, and create a calm and stable environment for recovery.

For many families this is the support that reduces stress and helps prevent burnout, anxiety, or feelings of isolation.

Midwives

Midwives are health professionals who provide prenatal care, attend births, and support postpartum recovery. Their work centers on individualized care, informed consent, and respect for the natural process of birth. Many families choose midwives because they value a slower, more personalized approach to care.

Midwives and doulas work well together. One offers medical care. The other offers emotional and physical support.

Lactation consultants

These professionals help families with feeding goals. Whether a family chooses breastfeeding, chestfeeding, pumping, or combination feeding, a lactation consultant helps create a plan and troubleshoot challenges.

Bereavement doulas

Bereavement doulas support families who experience miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. They provide emotional care, practical guidance, and nonjudgmental support during an incredibly difficult time.

Their presence helps families feel less alone and more supported during grief and recovery.

Community birthworkers

These individuals work within local communities to provide education, resources, and connection for families who may face barriers to care. They often help guide families toward available services, programs, and support groups.

Why this matters for families in Wisconsin

When you understand the roles available to you, you can build a care team that meets your needs. Many families combine support, such as choosing a midwife and a doula or a doula and a lactation consultant.

WIDOCC is here to help families sort through these options and find the support that feels right for them.