The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to someone experienced in childbirth. A doula provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth. A postpartum doula provides emotional and physical support during the postpartum period.

• Recognizes childbirth as a key experience that the mother will remember for the rest of her life.
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the family in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth
• Stays with the woman throughout labor
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers
• Encourages the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

• Offers evidence-based information on breastfeeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing, and coping skills.
• Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying.

• 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
• 30% decrease in use of narcotics

• greater maternal satisfaction
• reduced maternal postpartum depression
• improved breastfeeding
• better mother-infant interaction