The terms doula, montrice, labor companion, labor assistant, and birth assistant all refer to an individual offering one-on-one support for a woman in labor. A Labor Assistant or Doula is a professional care provider who understands and trusts the process of birth. Doulas are trained to respect childbirth's physical & emotional aspects as well as the transcendent & sacred experiences of parents during birth. A doula can facilitate a more peaceful birth experience for parents, baby, and primary care providers. Advantages of Labor Support Recent controlled trials involving over 1000 women demonstrate that the presence of a trained Labor Assistant or Doula results in: Compiled from Mothering the Mother, by MH Klaus, JH Kennell, and PH Klaus; 1993. What a Labor Assistant Can Do for You Knowledgeable labor assistants can do a great deal to provide pregnant women with information and practical alternatives so that they may give birth with confidence, strength, and joy. Laboring women who feel confident and supported are much more likely to achieve satisfying outcomes than are women without such support. Labor Assistants support women and their families by: A Summary of Doula Care Doulas provide continuous, uninterrupted care for the laboring woman and her partner. It is her job to help them participate fully in their experience by offering physical and emotional support and information about the birth process, commonly used technology, and natural birthing methods. A doula creates a comfortable working relationship with birthing parents by meeting with them a few times during pregnancy. She makes herself available to parents during all stages of labor, often spending time with a laboring mother at her home before she leaves for her birth site or her care provider arrives. It is typical for a labor assistant to remain with a client throughout labor and after birth, helping to establish breastfeeding. Doulas also will usually make one or two postpartum visits to help parents adjust to their babies as well as support breastfeeding and help with any difficulties new parents may face. Fees for services range from $100-$750 depending upon experience level, services offered, and cost-of-living in the area. Read "A Doula Makes the Difference!"