Benefits
The
continuous presence of an experienced, trained labor support woman during
birth gives women confidence and greater satisfaction during and after
the birth experience, while also reducing hospital costs. Doulas have
statistically been found to:
- Reduce cesarean rates by 50%
- Reduce the length of labor by 25%
- Reduce requests for epidurals by 60%
- Reduce the requests for pain medication by 30%
- Reduce the need for oxytocin (pitocin) by 40%
- Reduce the need for use of forceps by 40%
- Increase rates of breastfeeding
- Reduce postpartum depression
Excerpted from Mothering the Mother by Klaus, Klaus, and Kennell, 1993.
Studies have also shown that having professional labor support significantly reduces the length of labor, especially in first births.
Another role of a doula is to protect and nurture the memory of birth. This day is very special and exciting. Women rarely forget any detail of their birth story. The respect, support and nurturing one receives during labor and birth shape how the experience is remembered.
