Considering women who use doulas have 60% less epidurals and 30% pain relief requests, then I would say most definitely. I dont think any of my clients in two, nearly three years have had epidurals and are from all walks of life. Perhaps one or two with peth, that's it. One who had an epidural I did not work with post-natally, I was a back-up. All hospital births, mostly birth centres but also private.

Having great support reduces the need for medication and reduces pain and discomfort. If you are relaxed and safe pain is less. Fear --> Tension --> Pain.