Doulas recude the labor time, reduce the need for medication, and reduce the need for a Cesarean Birth. PLus, there is the added bonus of a women there to support you. 

Numerous studies have revealed the benefits of having a doula present during labor. A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, revealed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present. When a doula was present, women were less likely to have pain relief medications administered, less likely to have a cesarean birth, and reported having a more positive childbirth experience.

Other studies have shown that having a doula as part of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40% and the request for an epidural by 60%

Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during birth. According to physicians Marshal Klaus and John  Kennell, massage helps to stimulate the production of natrual oxyotcin. The Pituitary glad secrets natural oxytocin to the bloodstream which causes uterine contractions and also secretes it into the brain which results in a feeling of well being, drowsiness and a reaised pain threshold. Synthetic IV oxytocin cannot cross into the blood stream and brain, so it increases the contractions with the positive psychological effects of the natural oxytocin.