Needs Fourth, the doula may function as a liaison between the couple and medical staff. Without performing medical duties or giving medical advice, she may communicate the woman s needs and wishes to the medical staff. There was less use of pain medication and less need of Pitocin to help labor progress. What is good for mother is also good for baby. What seemed to have made the difference was the presence of a compassionate woman providing continuous support throughout labor.
Women learn to mother by being mothered, as infants themselves and also specifically during labor.