Benefits For Having a Doula (Birth Support) ​

A reviewed of fourteen trials involving more that 10,000 women, demonstrated the most supportive reasons for the use of having a doula (birth support) in labour care. A systematic review by the Cochrane library found that;
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"The continuous presence of a support person reduced the likelihood of medication for pain relief, operative vaginal delivery, caesarean delivery, and a 5-minute Apgar score less than 7. Continuous support was also associated with a slight reduction in the length of labour. Six trials evaluated the effects of support on mothers' views of their childbirth experiences; while the trials used different measures....in each trial the results favoured the group who had received continuous support" (Hodnett, 2003). 

​The Importance of Having a Positive Birth Experience

The research recognises that a positive birth experience for a women is very important. Negative birth experiences during labour and birth effects the woman after birth. Not surprising since labour and birth is an intense emotional event that a woman experiences. It is paramount to support a woman during this event in her life by reducing fear and providing her with adequate emotional, physical and educational support in preparation and during labour and birth; 

"Research provides powerful evidence of improved outcomes for mothers and babies when mothers are supported in labor........increased maternal satisfaction with the birthing process, and much more"  (Sauls, 2002). 

A Review of the Evidence 

There are many articles published that demonstrate similar results. A review by Klaus, Kennell and Klaus (1993) concluded the following; 
25% reduction in shorter labour​
50% reduction on caesarean rates
30% reduction on the use of analgesia usage
60% reduction on the request for an epidural
40% reduction on the use of syntocinon
40% reduction on the use of forceps delivery