How doula can help during labour:

1. Emotional support: A doula provides continuous emotional support to the woman throughout labour. This can include offering encouragement, reassurance, and comfort measures such as soothing touch, massage, and verbal affirmations.
2. Advocacy: Doulas can help the woman and her partner communicate their preferences and concerns to the medical staff, ensuring that their voices are heard and their wishes are respected.
3. Physical support: Doulas can provide physical support during labour, including suggestions for positioning and movement, and the use of comfort measures such as hot/cold compresses, breathing techniques, and relaxation exercises.
4. Informational support: Doulas can help the woman and her partner understand the labour process, the medical procedures, and the potential benefits and risks associated with different options. They can also provide information on breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery.
5. Reduced need for medical interventions: Studies have shown that women who have a doula present during labour are less likely to require pain medication, epidurals, cesarean sections, or other medical interventions. They may also have shorter labours and experience fewer complications.

In summary, a doula can be a valuable addition to the birth team, providing support and guidance during the intense experience of labour and childbirth.