New to this whole giving birth thing? Before the baby comes, decide whether you want some help from a birthing assistant called a doula (a Greek word meaning "woman's servant").

A birth doula is a labor assistant who helps the mother before, during and just after childbirth. She provides physical support during labor (including soothing backrubs and more X-rated rubs to ease pain and stress - sorry guys, those are just for the mom!). Doulas also dish out emotional and informational support. A doula will also provide advice on the use of drugs during delivery - and although she will usually recommend natural childbirth, she won't pressure moms-to-be into drug-free labors. And, unlike medical staff, the doula will stay at the mother's side for the duration of the birth. Yes, even for the marathon labors.

Yes! A doula isn't trained to perform clinical functions such as vaginal exams, heartbeat monitoring, administering drugs and so on - so she can't replace the hospital's medical staff during delivery.

While a midwife can act as a pregnant woman's primary care provider and can deliver babies, a doula doesn't have the training needed to provide medical care. A doula can, however, assist a midwife during labor.

A postpartum doula can also pay regular home visits (some even work for a family full-time for several months) to show mom how to take care of the new tyke. And the baby isn't the only one that will be pampered - a doula will also make sure mom is eating right and getting plenty of sleep. There is normally a separate fee for this.

DONA International (Dona.org) and Doula Network (DoulaNetwork.com) allow you to search for doulas in your area. Ask about:

- Training. She should have taken classes in the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and birth, labor positions and childcare. She should also have hands-on experience, so ask for details on the deliveries she's done.

- Fees. Anywhere between $200 and $2,000, depending on training and experience. Check with your health insurance to see if part of the cost is covered. Postpartum doulas charge between $12 and $40 per hour.

- References. Call references and meet any prospective doulas in person. Always remember: Personality compatibility really counts when you're in labor.

- No polish when preggers? You don't need to forgo weekly manis because you want to be a mommy. "You'd need massive and long-term exposure before there was a chance for problems," says Stuart Fischbein, M.D., co-author of "Fearless Pregnancy" (Fair Winds Press, $12.95). But if you are pregnant, the fumes might make you a little nauseous.

- Women who squat during labor experience less pain and faster births.

- Are you popular? The most common day for babies to be born is on Tuesday.

GREEN BABY GIFTS

Save the world... one "green" baby product at a time.

- NEWBORN BASKET: This basket comes with a cardigan, pants, and a burp cloth - all from 100 percent organic cotton. Packaged with a bonus teething bear. SageBabyNyc.com, $44.

- CALIFORNIA BABY CALMING LOTION: Looking for a gift under $20? This all natural, The Nest-tested lotion keeps baby's skin soft. CaliforniaBaby.com, $10 (splurge on the wrapping).

- WHALE MUSIC BOX: Pull the chord on this Lana Organic mammal to hear a sweet lullaby. This washable whale is just adorable! BrightOctober.com, $60.

For more stylish ideas and solutions, visit TheNest.com.