Childbirth assistants are professionals who provide support and guidance to pregnant women and their families during labor and delivery. The two most common types of childbirth assistants are midwives and doulas. Midwives are healthcare professionals who specialize in providing care to pregnant women and their newborns. They are trained to provide medical care, such as monitoring the mother's health and the baby's progress during labor and delivery. Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide emotional and physical support to the mother and her family during labor and delivery. They are trained to provide comfort measures, such as massage and breathing techniques, to help the mother cope with the pain of labor. Both midwives and doulas play an important role in helping mothers have a safe and positive childbirth experience.