Benefits of Labor Support
"Let me note that if I had told you today about a new medication or a new electronic device that would reduce problems of fetal asphyxia and the progress of labor by two thirds, cut labor length by one half and enhance mother-infant interaction after delivery, I expect that there would be a stampede to obtain this new medication or device in every obstetric unit in the United States, no matter what the cost. Just because the supportive companion [doula] makes good common sense does not decrease her importance." - Dr. John Kennell
Quotes From 2 Studies
"...doula support is an essential component of childbirth. A thorough reorganization of current birth practices is in order to ensure that every woman has access to continuous emotional and physical support during labor." [3]
"The beneficial effects of labor support underscore the need for a review of current obstetric practices." [2]
Why Hire a Birth Doula?
Women who are continuously supported by a birth doula through labor are:
- 41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
- 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
- 28% less likely to use any pain medications (epidural/spinal anesthetic and narcotic analgesia)
- 33% less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their birth experience
Women with labor support also experience the following benefits after the birth of their child:
- lower rates of infections and fever in the mother
- lower reported rates of postpartum depression and anxiety
- higher rates of breastfeeding
- a higher sensitivity to and awareness of her newborn
*Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G J, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth [PDF]. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.
Benefits of a Doula on Childbirth & Early Parenting
Increased:
- Positive feelings about labor
- Acceptance of the baby
- Self-esteem
- Feelings of control
- Mother’s participation
Decreased:
Interventions -
Oxytocin use by 40%
Pain medications (narcotics) by 30%
Forceps & vacuum extractors by 30%
Epidurals
Maternal fever
Anxiety
Tension
Length of labor by 25%
Septic work ups
Cesareans by 50%
Days in neonatal ICU
Neo-natal problems
Postpartum depression
Long Term Benefits:
Maternal/infant bonding
Improved breast feeding
Increased time spent with the baby
More positive maternal assessments of baby’s personality, competence and health
Physical Benefits
Fewer requests for epidurals (60%), narcotics (30%) [1-4,7,8]
Reduced use of pitocin [1,2,4,6,7]
Reduced duration of labor (25%) [1-6]
Fewer forceps deliveries [1,2,4,5]
Reduced use of vacuum extraction [4]
Reduced cesarean section rates (50%) [1,7]
Neonate hospitalization and rate of complications reduced [2,3]
Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection [2]
Reduced maternal bleeding following birth [5]
Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth [6]
Psychological Benefits
Mothers report more positive reviews of their birth experience [4,8,13]
Reduced levels of anxiety [4]
Mothers have higher regard and increased sensitivity towards babies [4,10]
Mothers feel more secure and have more confidence [14]
Reduced incidence of post-partum depression [4,10]