A doula is a professional person whose role is to provide emotional, educational, physical and consistent support to an expectant woman (and her partner) during pregnancy, labour, and after birth.
A Doula does not provide medical care or advice, do physical examinations, or deliver babies.
Benefits of a Doula
50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin/ pitocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Information was obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can HelpYou Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993)
