Call me biased but I agree it's the best investment you can have also. It can make a huge difference on the outcome of you birth with what people and what support you have with you. The studies say it all - check out my birth support page, meet a few doulas in your area and let that do all the talking I think we don't realise how good it can be until we give it a chance. Have a no-strings attached meeting with a few and you will know if it's going to be worth it.