Benefits

• Attention to physical comfort through techniques such as touch and massage and assistance with breathing
• Emotional reassurance, comfort and encouragement
• Information about what’s happening during labor and the postpartum period, including explanations of procedures
• Help with facilitating communication between you and the hospital staff
• Guidance and support for loved ones
• Assistance with breast-feeding

Additional Benefits

Although research is limited, some studies have shown that continuous support from doulas during childbirth might be associated with:

A decreased use of pain relief medication during labor
A decreased incidence of C-sections
A decrease in the length of labor
A decrease in negative childbirth experiences
A doula might add another opinion to the mix when decisions need to be made about labor and delivery. However, a doula doesn’t provide medical advice, nor can she or he change the clinical recommendations of a midwife or an obstetrician. Also, fees and insurance coverage vary.