These families might have been able to benefit from the presence of a doula. Simply, it is someone who is committed to offering physical and emotional support to families during and after labor. A doula, when in the delivery room, serves as a facilitator of the labor, communicating the needs of mom to be to the family and delivery personnel, while tuning in to physical aspects of the labor and emotional aspects of the family. If the laboree is feeling frustrated with a lack of progress during the labor, a doula may offer encouraging and motivating words. If pillows need tucking or a back needs massaging, your doula is there to respond.
Many doulas also provide post-partum care as well.
They may be present in the home assisting with nursing, performing chores, running errands or simply providing companionship after the birth. Doulas require specialized training to assist them in carrying out what is actually an intense role. Doulas need to have an understanding of the psychological process that occurs in women and families during the labor process. They need to posses mediation skills, must have some knowledge of the physiology of labor, and must be able to work well with unfamiliar groups of people in what can be a stressful situation. Some doulas even possess knowledge of natural methods of pain relief such as massage and accupressure.