Doula is from a Greek word that means 'trusted servant'. A doula today offers professional labor assistance. Usually a woman, she acts as a knowledgeable support person to comfort, aid and encourage the laboring woman as she works through the birth of her child and emerges as a mother. Doulas are trained and experienced to support mothers and fathers in all settings; hospitals, birth centers and homes.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth:

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• reduces negative feelings about one's childbirth 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 shows parents who receive support can:

• feel more secure and cared for
• be more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
• have greater success with breastfeeding
• have greater self-confidence
• have less postpartum depression

Doulas offer support through a variety of methods:

• consistent words of encouragement
• massage
• aromatherapy
• suggestions for alternate labor positions and comfort measures
• facilitating a calm productive environment
• gentle confidence that is found through experience

Whatever the hopes, dreams and expectations you have for your birth experience, a doula's role is to offer constant support throughout your birth, specifically suited to your physical and emotional needs.