What is a doula?

A doula is…   “A woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother & father before, during, and just after childbirth.”

A doula recognizes…   “birth as a key life experience that will be remembered.”

A doula understands…   “the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.”

A doula assists…   “the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their birth plan.”

A doula stays…   “by the side of the laboring woman throughout the birth.”

A doula provides…   “emotional support and physical comfort measures.”

A doula facilitates…   “communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and the clinical care providers.”

A doula empowers…   “a woman to believe in herself and the innate wisdom of her body.”

 
A 1993 study by Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell showed that women who have doulas during their labors experience:

50% reduction in ceasarean rates
25% shorter labors
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in the use of pitocin
30% reduction in the requests for pain relief
40% reduction in forceps deliveries

(Sources: DONA — Doulas of North America)