What the Research Says:
Women supported by Doulas tend to have less 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, and
• 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, and
• 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,
• Decease in postpartum depression and anxiety, and
• More positive maternal assessments of baby's personality and health, and maternal competence.
What Does a Doula Do?
Woman's Doula:
• 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, and
• Can help you have an unmedicated birth.
Woman's Doula:
• 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, and
• Can help you have an unmedicated birth.