Benefits of doula support
- Shortens length of labor
- Less medical interventions e.g. epidurals, IV pitocin, forceps, episiotomy
- Reduces the cesarean rate
- More satisfaction with care and respect during birth experience
- More satisfaction with partner/ husband
- Less anxiety and postpartum depression
- Likely success establishing breastfeeding
- Greater sense of accomplishment in taking an active role
- Support person was not a member of hospital staff
- Support began early in labor
- Epidural analgesia was not routinely available
“All women should have support through labour and birth” ..…says the latest research on continuous on-to-one support.
Greatest benefits occurred when:
Cochrane Systematic Review 2007 (Hodnett, et al)
Studies show that 7% to 12% of nurses time is spent in supportive activities
Birth 1996, (Gagnon, et al)