Postpartum doula: A woman trained to care for new families in the first weeks after birth providing household help, advice with newborn care and infant feeding, and emotional support.

Studies show the following effects of doula support:

Effects on Birth Outcomes:

Labors are shorter.
There are fewer complications.
Cesarean rates are reduced.
There is less need for oxytocin to speed up labor.
Need for forceps is reduced.
Women request less pain medication and epidurals

Effects on the Mother:

Greater satisfaction with their birth experience.
More positive assessments of their babies.
Less postpartum depression.

Effects on the Baby:

Babies have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries.
Babies breastfeed more easily.
Mothers are more affectionate to their babies postpartum.