The word "doula", Greek in origin, has come to mean "birth assistant" or "labor coach". Labor or birth doulas provide physical, emotional and informational support to women and their partners before, during and immediately after birth. A doula's continuous reassurance combined with comfort measures such as massage and advice on labor enhancing techniques can decrease pain and anxiety for the laboring mother. Several studies indicate that a doula's presence can contribute to shorter labors, fewer complications, reduced rates of Cesarean sections and fewer requests for pain medication. The ultimate goal of the labor doula is to help each woman have a fulfilling childbirth experience on her own terms.

A Doula...

• Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
• Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
• Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor.
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions.
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical careproviders.
• Perceives her role as one who nutures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.

Benefits of Having a Doula

• 25% decrease in length of labor.
• 50% decrease in cesarean sections.
• 60% decrease in epidural use.
• 30% decrease in use of forceps and vacuum extractor.
• 40% decrease in use of pitocin .

The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.