What is a Birth Doula?

I could not think of a better way to explain this than to take some straight forward words from thenurturingplace.com  They are one of my biggest references on this topic.
The word Doula comes from the Greek.  It means woman who cares.  It is well applied in the Labor and Delivery of babies.

	A Doula : Recognizes birth as a significant life experience. Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a laboring woman. Provides continuous support, practical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint to aid in decision-making. Complements the care provided by the woman’s partner and birth attendants. Protects and nurtures the memory of the birth experience.
Who relies on a doula?
	Childbearing women and couples, midwives, physicians, and labor and delivery nurses appreciate the resources, techniques, knowledge and continuous empathetic support a doula provides. Recent studies indicate the use of a doula: Decreases labor length by 25 percent. Decreases oxytocin use by 25 percent. Decreases mother’s request for pain medication by 30 percent. Decreases cesareans by 50 percent. Increases father’s participation level. (Mothering the Mother, Klaus, Kennell, Klaus, 1993) Birthing families and caregivers are welcoming doulas as the newest member of today’s maternity care team. Birth Doula Care The birth of a baby is not just another day in the life of a woman. It is a life-changing event with long-lasting physical, spiritual and emotional effects. A birth doula offers physical comfort, spiritual connection, mental preparation and emotional empathy for the birth family. Staying with you and your partner(s) continuously throughout labor and the first few hours postpartum, she can ease physical discomfort with a variety of massage, acupressure and relaxation techniques. She can remind your caregivers of your birth preferences. Most of all, she can help you, as a woman, create a positive memory of one of the most important days in your life and the life of your baby. I hope this helps.