Arent doulas only for medication free births?
Not at all! Even if you plan on receiving an epidural, you usually still labor for a period of time before you receive pain relief, and during that period having a compassionate, caring support person available and focused solely on you is an invaluable asset. Even after the epidural is given, the doula can give the partner a break to go get something to eat or to take a nap if it’s been a particularly long labor. She can take pictures, get ice-chips, do hand massage or just sit quietly while the mom rests.
