▪ The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek word meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth. ▪ Studies have shown that when doulas attend a birth, labors are shorter, there are fewer complications, babies are healthier, and they breastfeed more easily. ▪ Your OMG doula is there to support your ideal birth; she will not bring her own agenda to your birth. It is her job to honor your wishes and be objective throughout your labor and delivery. ▪ Some believe that you should only hire a doula if you are planning a unmedicated birth, however, as doulas, we have been to many births where a laboring woman has chosen some form of pain relief and there are still plenty of things that we can do.