"Doula" (pronounced doo-la) is originally a Greek word meaning woman servant or slave. However in English it has come to refer to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in "mothering the mother" - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.

The services offered by a doula vary greatly according to the needs of the mother-to-be/parents-to-be. A doula's role has to be flexible to fit in with the given situation e.g. the type of support will differ for a first-time mum to that of a woman who has children already. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique.

Research has shown that having a doula present at a birth:

• Shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours
  
• Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%
  
• Decreases the need for pain medication
  
• Helps fathers participate with confidence
  
• Increases success in breastfeeding

(Source: Mothering the Mother, Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, 1993)

You can read more about the work of doulas in general at www.doula.org.uk, the members organisation for doulas working in the UK, of which I am a member.