What are the benefits of having a Doula? |
The Benefits of Having a Doula
Although the idea is centuries old, the benefits of a
Doula's one-on-one care have only recently been documented in several separate
studies. Studies of Doula-assisted births worldwide showed decreases in:
o Cesarean birth by 51%
o Pitocin use by 71%
o Narcotics use by 35%
o Forceps use by 57%
o Length of labor by 98 minutes
Even among the best-educated
and best-supported women in North America, the latest studies show that having
a Doula decreases:
o Cesarean birth by 21%
o Forceps/vacuum extraction use by 32%
o Epidural use by 16%
Effects
on birth outcomes: Eleven studies showed the following effects of doula
support:
Effects on labor:
Labors are shorter.
There are fewer complications.
The number of
cesarean births is reduced.
There is less need for pitocin to speed up
labor.
Use of forceps is reduced.
Women request less pain medication and
epidurals.
Effects on the mother:
Greater satisfaction with childbirth
More positive assessments of their babies
Less postpartum depression
Effects on the baby:
Babies have shorter hospital stays and fewer
admissions to special care nurseries.
Babies breastfeed more successfully.
Mothers are more affectionate toward their
babies postpartum.
Effects on the health care system:
The cost of obstetrical care is dramatically
reduced.
Women are pleased with the personalized care
doulas offer.
The benefit of continuous support in labor is recognized by:
The World Health
Organization
The Medical Leadership Council (an organization
of over 1200 U.S. hospitals)
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
of Canada
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