With the support of a Doula, a woman and her accompanying partner/family are never alone. The definition of Doula is "A Women Who Serves." A mother can count on her Doula to support, advocate and guide her in the kind of birth she desires. Nurses, midwives and physicians are responsible for the medical care of the laboring woman needs and oftentimes may be caring for more than one woman at a time. The Doula's only focus is on the mother's emotional and physical needs, one mother at a time.

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Studies from several countries show that when Doulas attend births, women have shorter, easier labors, request less pain medications, are less likely to need toxytocin (pitocin) to speed labor, and they are less likely to need vacuum or forceps delivery. Babies are also healthier and breastfeed more easily. Mothers have said they were much more satisfied with their birth experience when using a doula. Medical caregivers and expert organizations recognize the benefits of labor support and agree that having a Doula can improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

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Statistics Using a Doula:

50% less cesareans

30% less usage of anesthesia medication

25% shorter labors

40% less forcep deliveries

60% less requests for epidurals

40% less oxytocin use

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