Do North East midwives like working with Doulas?

You’re thinking of hiring a doula. You’re already doing the deep work - exploring your options, tuning into your intuition, dreaming of a birth that feels truly yours.

And then that thought pops up:

“But what if my midwife doesn’t like it?”

“Will they be offended that I’ve brought someone else in?”

“Am I rocking the boat?”

I hear actually hear this quite often from women here in the North East... thoughtful, open-hearted mamas-to-be who want to birth confidently, but also don’t want to feel like they’re stepping on anyone’s toes.

So let’s talk about it. Gently. Honestly. From both sides.

Independent Midwives Debbie & Sonja & myself

Do midwives and doulas get along?

The short answer? On my 'watch' - YES, often beautifully.

The long answer?It depends on the culture of the unit, the clarity of the roles, and the confidence and experience of the individuals involved (on both sides).

Many midwives I’ve worked alongside have expressed genuine appreciation for the presence of a doula.

Here are two messages I’ve received from local Northumberland NHS midwives I’ve shared space with:

“It was lovely to meet you and work alongside you, Jess. You were inspiring to watch.”

“It was a pleasure to work with you. I can't pretend I wasn't nervous about working with a doula, but you were simply perfect. Also how did you look so utterly fabulous in the middle of the night?!”

The truth is, when a doula is grounded, collaborative and clear in her scope, we free midwives up to focus on their clinical role. When a Mama is feeling unsure about medical intervention or presence, we can provide the emotional safety she needs to communicate effectively with the medical folks there.

We provide continuity, emotional grounding, and non-clinical tools - so the room becomes more supported, not more chaotic.

Anon North East NHS Midwife

Debbie Hemmingway - Independent Midwife of the North

Why the fear, then?

If you're feeling worried about what your midwife will think, I invite you to pause and reflect:

Why do I feel responsible for the feelings of my care providers during my own birth?

Because, my love - it’s not your job to manage anyone else’s comfort, approval, or expectations during labour. Your job is to be fully present with your own experience.

To feel safe, supported, and sovereign.

And if someone in your care team doesn’t feel comfortable with the presence of a doula - a trained, non-clinical support person who is shown to improve outcomes - that’s not a reflection on you.

That’s a red flag in the system. One that deserves curiosity, not shame.

📚 The evidence is on your side

Let’s revisit what the research says. The Cochrane Reviews (2013 & 2017) show that continuous support from a doula leads to:

• Lower caesarean rates

• Fewer interventions and epidurals

• Shorter labours

• Increased satisfaction

• Improved breastfeeding outcomes

• Lower postpartum depression symptoms

• More equitable and culturally safe care

  
  

And yet, doulas are still often misunderstood - perceived as “alternative,” “pushy,” or “unnecessary.”

I can confidently say that I'm none of those things. I'm an anchor. A witness. A buffer. A bridge.

Having said that - I know that, just as not all midwives operate from a place of trust (in birth and women), respect or calm-ness... neither will all Doulas.

We all have our own back story, our own inner 'map' and our own experiences (good and bad)... these are bound to influence the way an individual doula and midwife will get on.

This is one of the (many!) reasons I make sure I continually work on my inner 'stuff'... to ensure I enter your space with peace, clarity and open-ness.

Debbie - Independent Midwife of the North & myself

🌸 The heart of it: integration over disruption

As your doula, I don’t take over. I don’t clash with midwives. I don’t make clinical decisions.

I stay in my lane - the lane of love, trust, softness and strength.

I bring calm, practical tools. I hold your hand. I remind you of your voice. I dim the lights. I speak quietly. I stay present.

Most midwives sense this immediately. Many feel relieved to have another woman in the room who truly sees the mother.

💬 Still unsure? Let’s explore it together

If you’re still feeling the wobble - that worry of “but what if they don’t like it?” - bring it to your doula. We can talk it through.

I can even help you phrase things ahead of time, or facilitate a calm introduction with your midwife team.

Because what you’re doing is not selfish. It’s sovereign. You’re claiming the support you know you need - and that’s a powerful act.

✨ Final thoughts

A doula isn’t a threat to your care team - she’s a gentle reinforcement of you. Of your needs. Of your values. Of your right to be truly, deeply supported.

So if you’re feeling drawn to this kind of care, trust that tug. It’s not about asking permission. It’s about claiming your space - and choosing who gets to stand in it with you.

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Jessica Ord is an experienced birth doula and hypnobirthing expert, supporting parents across the North East. With just under a decade's experience in this work, she specialises in home birth, high risk labels and supporting sovereign, self led parents.

From wild pregnancies to water births, she specialises in supporting you to trust your instincts, birth on your terms, and feel powerful doing it.