 A Birth Doula is an experienced woman in childbirth who is trained to provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to the mother and her partner before, during and just after childbirth.She is privately hired by the couple in most cases, not by the hospital. Research studies have found that when doulas attend births, labors are shorter, there are fewer complications and there is less need for oxytocin to speed labor, for forceps or vacuum extractor deliveries, or for pain medication. A Birth Doula recognizes childbirth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life. She understands the birth process and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. Birth Doulas provide physical comfort measures to help make the birth experience as rewarding and satisfying as possible. Birth Doulas and dads make a great team! As one father said, "I heaved a big sigh of relief when the doula walked in. I hadn't realized how much pressure I had been feeling. She not only calmed my wife down, she calmed me down." Doulas do not perform clinical tasks, or make decisions for you or prevent you from receiving pain medication if that is your desire. Visit Doulas of North America to learn more about doula support in labor at DONA.org Reference: Penny Simkin, founder of DONA |