A<unk>  (left) using comforting touch to help alleviate contractions during labor. A<unk>  () is a trained companion who is not a healthcare professional and who supports another person (the<unk> 's client) through a significant health-related experience, such as childbirth, miscarriage, induced abortion or stillbirth, or non-reproductive experiences such as dying. A<unk>  may also provide support to the client's partner, family, and friends. The<unk> 's goal and role is to help the client feel safe and comfortable, complementing the role of the healthcare professionals who provide the client's medical care. Unlike a physician, midwife, or nurse, a<unk>  cannot administer medication or other medical treatment or give medical advice. An individual may need to complete training to work as a<unk> , although training and certification processes vary throughout the world. Some<unk> s work as volunteers; others are paid for their services by their client, medical institutions, or other private and public organizations.<unk> s receive varying amounts of training, and their professionalism also varies. The contributions of<unk> s during reproductive experiences and end-of-life care have been studied and have been shown to benefit their clients. For example, a birth<unk>  providing support during childbirth may increase likelihood of vaginal birth (rather than cesarean delivery), decrease the need for pain medication during labor, and improve the perception of the birthing experience. The benefits of a<unk>  providing other types of support have been less well studied, but might improve a client's experience with medical care or help an individual cope with health transitions.
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