Doula or midwife: clear roles after birth

What a doula does

A doula offers emotional, organizational and practical support around pregnancy, birth and postpartum life.

On Kraam, doula support is private-pay and non-medical. It does not replace a midwife, diagnosis or treatment.

• Birth and postpartum support
• Preparation, orientation and practical relief
• Infant feeding routines and bereavement support

What a midwife does

Midwives provide services under the German Midwifery Act (§ 4 HebG), such as antenatal care, postnatal care and birth assistance.

Kraam now lists verified midwives — the professional certificate (Berufsurkunde) is checked before approval. Midwifery services are billed to statutory insurance via the IK number (Hebammen-Vergütungsvereinbarung), not under § 38.

Why the distinction matters

The clear boundary protects families and providers. Everyone knows what is being booked and when external medical help is needed.