Julie, This summer at a LLLI Conference in Orlando I heard Marshall
Klaus speak on "Perinatal Care in the 21st Century.  He talked about
doulas and he has co-authored a book called, "Mothering the Mother: How
a Doula Can help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth."  He
spoke of studies that support the use of doulas in lowering labor time
as well as lowering the amount of meds needed.  Part of his research
also shows that women who use doulas during labor and delivery were more
affectionate with their babies after delivery than the mothers who
didn't have doulas. In 7 randomized trials women who had doulas had a
25% reduction in length of labor, greater than 50% reduction in
c-sections, and required less oxytocin, medication, and operative
vaginal deliveries. Not surprising to me, they had better breastfeeding
rates at 6 weeks(52% with doulas and 29% without).  I think back to the
birth of my first baby at home. The clearest memory of that labor I have
is of one of my midwives holding my hand and gently talking to me during
the pushing stage(which I was having a difficult time with--hated that
part of labor).  It stays in my mind to this day(17 years later)as the
one thing that helped me cope and know that it wouldn't be long before
my baby would be in my arms.  Anyway,  hope this helps in regard to
information on non-pharmacologic pain management in labor.  Valerie W.
McClain, IBCLC

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