A Doula accompanies a woman in labor, mothers the mother, and takes care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. She provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of the birth. A postpartum Doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics. "What is a Doula?" 14 August 2007. 

BENEFITS OF A DOULA
Although doulas do not provide medical assistance, through loving touch, position and comfort measures they make childbearing bearable.
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth:
  • Results in shorter labors with fewer complications
  • Reduces negative feelings about one's birthing experience
  • Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
  • Reduces the mother's request for pain medication and/or epidurals

RESEARCH
Research shows parents who receive support:
  • Feel more secure and cared for
  • Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
  • Have greater success with breastfeeding
  • Have greater self-confidence
  • Have less postpartum depression
  • Have lower incidence of abuse