What the Research Says:
Women supported by Doulas tend to have fewer interventions and shorter labors including:
• 28% reduction in Cesarean rate
• 40% decrease in Pitocin use (labor induction)
• 28% less likely to use epidural or narcotic medication
• 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal delivery
• 41% less likely to have a vacuum or forceps delivery
Six weeks after birth, mothers who had Doulas were:
• 33% less likely to be dissatisfied with their births
• Consistently more satisfied with their birth experiences
• More confident with their babies
• More satisfied with their partners
Long-term physiological benefits for Mom and Baby:
• Improved breastfeeding
• Stronger maternal-infant interaction and bonding
• Increased time spent with baby
• Decrease in postpartum depression and anxiety
• More positive maternal assessments of the baby's personality and health maternal competence
What Does a Doula Do?
• Supports the birth YOU want
• Can help you deal with the unexpected
• May decrease the length of your labor
• Offers physical and emotional support
• Can be a huge support for your partner
• Can help you have an unmedicated birth
• Supports the birth YOU want
• Can help you deal with the unexpected
• May decrease the length of your labor
• Offers physical and emotional support
• Can be a huge support for your partner
• Can help you have an unmedicated birth