A Doula is a birth partner who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother and father throughout the transition of childbirth and into parenthood.
	Research has shown that women having a Doula present during their childbirth had an overwhelmingly more positive labor & delivery than women without assistance. - Shorter labor - Reduced cesarean rate (up to 50%) - Less pain medication and epidurals are needed (30-60%) - Fewer complications - Reduced use of forceps (40%) - Reduced use of drugs to speed up labor (40%) Source: Marshall H. Klaus, MD., John H. Kennel, Phyllis H. Klaus: Mothering the Mother 1993 The ways in which the woman, baby, partner and siblings make the transition to a new family unit have a long-term impact on their physical and emotional health.  The post partum doula fills a large gap in maternity care.
	DONA Position Paper