Everyone's experience is different, of course, but here's one woman's unique story of a doula supported labor:

"Hiring a doula is like hiring somebody who's there just for you. Even though I'm more conservative, my doula's earth-mother manner was very reassuring. When I went into labor, she met us at our home. I wanted to labor at home as long as possible, before going to the hospital. When my husband and I decided it was time to go to the hospital, the doula came to the hospital to continue the support. Eighteen babies were born in the hospital that day, so our labor and delivery nurse was quite happy to have someone else there to help look after me."

"Having the doula gave me enormous confidence, plus it took the pressure off my husband. He was able to relax and enjoy the experience. The doula stationed him at my back and showed him some acupressure techniques. She locked eyes with me and helped me breathe through my contractions, making suggestions about moving around and trying different pain management techniques. She could read my body signals perfectly, she knew when I was in transition (when I got sick, a pan magically materialized), and she helped me remember to drink fluids."

"When it was time to push, the doula locked eyes with me again, which was absolutely critical. "My doula also helped me learn the art of breastfeeding."

"I couldn't have done it without her. She made me fearless: The lack of fear is what gets you through the pain without drugs. I had complete confidence in her, whereas if I had been looking at my husband and saying, 'Help me through this,' it just wouldn't have been the same."

Mom on birth ball, receiving a massage from her Doula