Doulas are trained, certified laywomen experienced in the normal process of pregnancy and childbirth, bringing com-fort and support to couples during the miracle of birth. Doulas are also called Childbirth Assistants/Labor Support Professional, Birth Companions, or Labor Coaches.

How Does a Doula Help During Birth?

Your Doula will meet with you before birth to discuss your specific wishes about the birth, so she has a good under-standing of your needs and you have a chance to get to know her in advance of your "big day". During birth, she will provide continuous, compassionate, uninterrupted support to you and your birthing companion by providing non-pharmacological pain relief measures such as breathing and relaxation tech-niques, massage, and positioning that will increase your comfort. She also provides information concerning the course of your labor and your options for birth.

Doula Statistics

Studies have shown the use of a Doula during labor and delivery can have the following beneficial effects:

• 51% reduction in the cesarean rate
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 71% reduction in oxytocin use
• 57% reduction in forceps delivery
• 35% reduction pain medicine requests

Long Term Benefits

• Improved breastfeeding
• Increased time spent with baby
• Increased maternal satisfaction with birth experience
• Decreased postpartum depression

(Summarized—Chapter 3 of Mothering the Mother—How a Doula Can Help You Have A Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth by M.H. Klaus, J.H. Kennell, and P.H. Klaus; Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., New York (1993).)