A few of the benefits to having an experienced doula present at the birth of your child include:  Shorter labors with fewer complications Reduction in negative feelings about your child's birth Reduction in need for labor-inducing drugs, such as Pitocin Reduction in need for pain medications, such as epidurals Reduction in use of forceps or vacuum to aid in baby's delivery

Long term benefits to having a doula include: Increased feelings of security as new parents Greater success at adapting to your new role(s) in parenthood Greater success at breastfeeding Increased self-confidence Fewer instances of post-partum depression Lower occurrences of child abuse

Can I still benefit from having a doula if I think I will want an epidural or other pain medication? Women who plan to use pain medications can still appreciate having a doula for many reasons: 1.  Women and their partners need information and emotional support, whether they use pain medication or not; although pain may be removed with an epidural, other questions and concerns remain. 2.  Many women do not experience pain-free labor with pain medications and will still welcome comfort measures and mental strategies to help with pain. 3.  It is hard to push effectively without sensation in the pelvic area, and an experienced labor support companion can be a helpful guide during the pushing phase of labor if a woman has had an epidural. 4.  According to your wishes, a trained or experienced labor companion can also help you avoid, delay, or minimize the use of pain medication, which in turn may help you avoid or limit some of their potential adverse effects.