What does a Doula do?

A doula provides: 

Emotional support;Exercise and physical suggestions to make pregnancy and childbirth more comfortable;Help with preparation of a birth plan;Facilitation of communication between members of labouring woman's birth team;Massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures, aromatherapy, any other non-medical comfort techniques she may be trained in;Positioning suggestions during labour and birth;Support the partner so that s/he can provide support and encouragement to the labouring woman;Help to avoid unnecessary interventions;Help with breastfeeding preparation and beginning;Some doulas offer a written record of the birth (birth story);Is present during entire labour and afterwards as long as is needed by parent(s).

Women supported by a doula during labour have been shown to have:

50% reduction in caesarean rate25% shorter labour60% reduction in epidural requests30% reduction in analgesic use40% reduction in forceps delivery

6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were:

Less anxious and depressedHad more confidence with babyMore satisfied with partner (71% vs 30%)More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%)