Pregnant women have complex needs as they transition into motherhood.  Doulas offer a woman important information, continuous reassurance, comfort, compassion, encouragement and respect. 

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth results in shorter labors with fewer complications -

* 25% reduction in the length of labor

* 60% reduction in epidural requests

* 30% reduction in analgesic use

* 50% reduction in cesarean rate

* 40% reduction in Pitocin use

*reduces negative feelings about one's childbirth experience

Research shows that parents who receive support can:

*  Feel more secure and cared for

* Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics

* Have greater success with breastfeeding

*  Have greater self confidence

*  Have less postpartum depression