Therefore,
comfort and encourage
each other...
1 Thessalonians 5:11
When a doula is present,
women
are less likely to ask for
pain relief medications,
less likely to have a
cesarean birth,
have a more 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
Mother's Advocate Doula Services
Benefits
Mary E. Smits, CD, CBE, (CBI)
Certified Doula and Childbirth Educator, Childbirth International