Why Use a Doula?

What does the research show?

Having a doula present has been clinically shown to:

● Reduce labor time by 25%

● Reduce the rate of Caesarean birth by 45%

● Reduce use of labor-inducing drugs by 50%

● Reduce use of forceps by 34%

● Reduce pain medication by 31%

● Reduce requests of epidurals, by 10-60%

Doulas are also associated with:

● Greater satisfaction of the mother with her birth experience 
 ● Better postpartum outcome, including postpartum depression

● More successful breastfeeding

● Better assessment by the mother of her newborn's temperament, appearance, health, and competence

Sources: Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn, The Complete Guide. (New York: Meadowbrook Press, 2001). John H. Kennel, MD, Marshall H. Klaus, MD, Phyllis H. Klaus, CSW, MFT, The Doula Book. (Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing, 2002).

The Cochrane Library, 2011 Issue 2 published a study showing the importance of continuous labor support. Here I summarize some of the conclusions:

Continuous support appeared to have the greatest impact when the support person was neither a hospital staff person such as a nurse nor someone the mother knew well, such as a friend, family member or spouse. 

When a doula or community member attended the labor and birth,  use of any pain medications, augmentation with pitocin, and cesarean section decreased. Satisfaction levels were increased, and the numbers of births that happened spontaneously, instead of assisted with vacuum or forceps, increased.  

Continuous support by a nurse did not seem to impact cesarean section, spontaneous birth, or women’s satisfaction. It may have increased use of pitocin.

Support by partner, husband, other relative, or friend had rates of increased satisfaction, but did not seem to impact use of interventions(pitocin, medication, csection, etc.)

Why do I need a doula if I have my partner?

For all couples, regardless of whether they have birthed before, there is tremendous benefit to employing a doula. Doulas can create space for the woman’s partner to participate at her/his comfort level, reducing anxiety. Because doulas understand the normal processes of birth, they can reassure partners who may be perplexed by unusual birth behaviors. In addition, even prepared partners may be surprised at the intense work of assisting a laboring woman. A doula can “spell’ the partner when (s)he becomes tired, thus ensuring the mother has continuous support.
Studies show that partners participate more actively during labor when a doula is present. Rather than replacing a loving partner, a doula encourages the partner and enhances her/his ability to provide comfort.

You deserve a doula.