DONA had provided a list of common questions and anwers about Birth and Postpartum Doulas.

http://www.dona.org/mothers/faqs_birth.php

 http://www.dona.org/mothers/faqs_postpartum.php 

What is a doula?

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek 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; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

To read more:  http://www.dona.org/mothers/faqs_postpartum.php