What are the Benefits of Having a Doula

"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.". 

                                 ~John H. Kennell, MD

In my last post I explained a bit of what a doula does, for this post I wanted to show some benefits in having a doula at your birth; whether you birth in a hospital, in a birthing center, or at home. Mothers giving birth vaginally as well as via c-section both benefit from having a doula at their birth. 

Let's get right to the statistics:

Doulas reduce the labor time, reduce the need for medication, and reduce the need for cesarean. Plus, there is the added bonus of a women there to support you.

Studies have also shown:

• 50% reduction in cesarean birth
• 30% reduction in requests for pain medication
• 60% fewer requests for epidural anesthesia
• 25% decrease in the length of labor
• 30% decrease in use of Pitocin
• Reduction of medical cost
• Increased breastfeeding success
• Greater overall satisfaction

Source: Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus, Mothering the Mother, New York, Addison-Wesley, 1993.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
• reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
• reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support can:

• Feel more secure and cared for
• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
• Have greater success with breastfeeding
• Have greater self-confidence
• Have less postpartum depression
• Partner's have more confidence in their ability to assist in the birth.

Suggested Reading: The Doula Book Klaus, Kennell and Klause

If you are pregnant I would be honored to speak with you further on the benefits of having a doula at your birth.