Why a Doula?

 

 

You and Your Baby Deserve a Doula!

“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula.”
— ACOG, March 2014

Early March 2014, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AGOG) released an article on recommendations to improve birth outcomes. Doulas were listed as the top most beneficial tool to improve labor and delivery outcomes!  This statement validated what we have seen in older renowned, controlled studies. Some of the benefits these studies revealed:

Statistic of doula support during labor and immediate postpartum

  • 50% reduction in Cesarean rate

  • 25% shorter labor

  • 60% reduction in epidural requests

  • 40% reduction in need for medications to speed labor

  • 40% reduction in need for forceps/vacuum extractor

  • 30% reduction in use of other (analgesic) pain medication

  • Reduction in use of episiotomies

  • Increased confidence in self and in partner/coach

  • Higher success rate in breastfeeding

  • Increased satisfaction with birth experience

  • Mother views baby more positively

  • Continuity in care: prenatal, labor, birth and immediate postpartum

  • Lower anxiety/stress levels

  • Babies have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries

Benefits to mothers six weeks after birth

  • Less anxiety and depression

  • More confidence with the baby

  • More satisfaction with their partner

Long-term benefits of using a doula

  • Improved breastfeeding

  • Increased time spent with baby

  • More positive maternal assessments of baby's personality and health,
    and maternal competence

  • Decreased postpartum depression

SOURCE: "Mothering the Mother," by M.H. Klaus, J.H. Kennell, and P.H. Klaus; Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, New York (1993).