Doulas are professionally trained support persons for the birth process and/or for the postpartum time. Doulas are becoming increasingly popular as word gets out about how beneficial they are to women during and after birth. The presence of a professional labor support doula reduces the risk of cesarean delivery by 50%, and the requests for epidural pain medication by 60% (see more about the benefits of labor support under Labor Support.) Women who chose labor support are seeking a safe and joyful birth, where they receive: maximum natural comfort measures and encouragement continuity of care knowledgeable guidance about the birth process and physician/hospital protocols advocacy that can help to sort out information so that they and their partners can feel empowered to make the best choices. support that partners appreciate... they are able to focus on the laboring woman without the anxiety of having to be an expert about birth. All women should plan on having some form of support after the birth of their baby. The need for support is heightened when there are complications, but all women deserve and benefit from being cared for in the first weeks after the birth. In fact, one of the key risk factors for postpartum mood disorders, breastfeeding problems and other complications, is lack of social and practical support. The doula can be this sole support, or be a part of a 'team' of friends & family.