How can a doula help?

Research has shown that doulas can empower women to achieve the best birth outcomes possible.  With the added support provided by a doula, better outcomes are seen for births, infants, and mothers. The doula focuses on individualized support before, during, and after birth; whereas nurses often are attending to several women in labor and responsible for clinical and administrative tasks besides direct labor support.  The doula is the only constant source of support for the laboring mother and her partner.

Some more facts...

• Women who receive continuous labor support are more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births

• 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

• 28% decrease in the risk of a cesarean section

• 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin

• Partner/dad knows mom. Doula knows birth. What a perfect team.

• 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

• 14% decrease in the risk of newborns admitted to a special care nursery

• Statistically, women who have a doula are likely to feel less pain with a doula present  

Data from 2012 Cochrane Review on continuous support for women during childbirth