What Difference Could a Doula Make to YOUR Birth Experience?
Birth doulas improve the overall outcome and experience of women giving birth. Studies have shown that when women use a doula during labour, there are many benefits:
50% decrease in caesarean sections
25% decrease in the length of labour
30% decrease in use of forceps
40% decrease in use of oxytocin to speed labour up
60% decrease in use of epidurals
30% decrease in use of pain medications
- Marshall H.Klaus, MD, John H. Kennell, MD and Phyllis H.Klaus, CSW, MFT (2002). The Doula Book: How a trained labour companion can help you have a shorter, easier and healthier birth. Massachusetts: Perseus Publishing
Studies have also shown that women who use a doula have a lower incidence of postpartum depression, breastfeed longer and are closer with their infants. Women who use a doula are more satisfied with their birth experiences, however they birth their babies. This is because a doula’s role is to ensure that the woman is the central active participant in her birth experience, enabling her to give birth in her own way, whatever challenges present themselves along the path.
“It gave us great peace of mind to know that you were going to be at our child’s birth and this reduced my anxiety about birthing in a hospital. Thanks again for all your support during this amazing experience.”
Angela, Fairfield