one-to-one doula support ...
are less likely to ask for
pain relief medications,
are less likely to have a
cesarean birth,
are less likely to give birth
with vacuum or forceps
are more likely to have a
positive childbirth
experience 1.

Studies have shown that having
a doula as part of the birth team
decreases the overall
cesarean rate by 50%
decreases the length of
labor by 25%,
decreases the use of
oxytocin by 40%
decreases the request for
an epidural by 60% 2.

1Hodnett ED. Gates S Hofmeyr GJ. Sakala C.  
Continuous Support for women during
childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic
Reviews.(3) CD003766, 2003. 2Klaus, M.,  
Kennell, J., Klaus,P. Mothering the Mother.:
Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1993.
"You have been much
more than a friend to me...
I couldn't have gotten
through those hours without
your support!
~ Tammy ~
Kaukauna, WI
Massage stimulates natural oxytocin; the love hormone                 
Disclaimer
The information contained on this website is of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. The information is not meant
to replace the recommendations or advice of your midwife or doctor. Please consult your midwife or doctor regarding your health care.
Notice: the photos on this site are
used by me with permission from
my clients, please out of respect,
do not copy or reproduce any of
these photos.  Thank You.
Mary E. Smits
A member of the
Mary E. Smits, CD, CBE
Certified Doula and Childbirth Educator
Childbirth International
920-759-0771  and  920-475-5313
The King will answer,
"whenever you did it for
any of my people, no
matter how unimportant
they seemed, you
did it for me."
Matthew 25:40