25th August 2025

What’s the Difference between a Maternity Nurse, Doula or Midwife?

Welcoming a baby into the world is a moment filled with excitement, anticipation, and a fair share of questions. One of the most common areas of confusion for expectant parents is understanding the different professionals who can support them before, during, and after birth. Terms like maternity nurse (or maternity nanny), doula, and midwife are often used interchangeably, but each role is distinct.

At Nanny & Governess, we work with families to match them with the right support for their unique journey. Below, we break down the key differences.

Maternity Nurse (Maternity Nanny)

A maternity nurse, also known as a newborn care specialist or maternity nanny, is there to help families in the first few weeks or months after a baby’s arrival. They are not medically trained, but they are highly experienced with newborns and provide hands-on support to both parents and baby.

What they do:

• Establish feeding and sleeping routines

• Provide overnight care so parents can rest

• Support breastfeeding or bottle feeding

• Offer practical guidance on newborn care

• Help with multiples, premature babies, and postnatal recovery

Maternity nurses usually live with the family temporarily, often working in shifts (for example, 24 hours, 5–6 days a week). Their role is practical and nurturing, ensuring the family settles smoothly into life with a new baby.

Doula

A doula provides emotional and practical support rather than medical care. Their focus is on the mother’s wellbeing before, during, and after birth. Many families choose a doula to help create a calm and positive birth and recovery experience.

What they do:

• Offer antenatal support and preparation for labour

• Provide continuous emotional support during childbirth

• Offer reassurance, advocacy, and comfort techniques (breathing, massage, positioning)

• Assist with postnatal recovery, feeding, and settling into family life

Unlike maternity nurses or midwives, doulas are not there to provide medical care or take responsibility for the baby’s health – their role is to support, encourage, and empower the mother.

Midwife

A midwife is a medically trained healthcare professional who specialises in pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and at home, and are responsible for ensuring both mother and baby are safe and healthy.

What they do:

• Monitor pregnancy and maternal health

• Deliver babies and provide medical care during labour

• Recognise and manage complications

• Provide postnatal health checks for mother and baby

• Offer breastfeeding and newborn care advice
  
  

Midwives are regulated medical professionals. While they may offer emotional reassurance too, their primary role is clinical – ensuring safe pregnancies and births.

Which Is Right for Your Family?

• Need medical expertise during pregnancy and birth? → Choose a Midwife

• Want emotional guidance and advocacy? → A Doula is ideal

• Need practical hands-on help once baby arrives? → A Maternity Nurse (Nanny) is best
  
  

At Nanny & Governess, we specialise in introducing families to experienced maternity nurses and nannies who bring comfort and expertise during those first precious months. 

If you’d like to explore your options, contact us!