* Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life... * Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor... * Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth... * Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor... * Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions... * Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical careproviders... * Perceives her role as one who nutures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience. The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.

WHAT CAN A DOULA DO FOR YOU? Controlled trials involving 1000 women demonstrate that the presence of a doula results in.... 50% decrease in cesarean sections 25% decrease in the length of labor 30% decrease in the use of forcepts/vacuum extractors 40% decrease in oxytocin 60% decrease in epidurals 30% decrease in pain narcotics. In addition, long term benefits of labor support include; *Improved breastfeeding *Decreased post partum depression *Greater maternal satisfaction *Better mother-infant interaction