The many benefits of hiring a certified birth doula are recognized by the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Several studies show that a doula’s continuous support, practical knowledge, and labor enhancing techniques help to reduce pain and anxiety in laboring women. When a laboring woman is less frightened and feels less pain, her labor is more likely to progress without the need for interventions. Research shows that a doula’s presence during labor and birth results in the following positive outcomes:
- reduction in the rate of cesareans
- reduction in epidural requests
- reduction in the use of pitocin (a contraction induction method)
- reduction in vacuum assisted deliveries
- shorter labors
- an increase in successful breastfeeding and bonding
- a reduction in “baby blues” and postpartum depression
Research shows that postpartum doula care results in the following positive outcomes for families:
- parents feel more secure and cared for
- more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
- greater success with breastfeeding
- greater self-confidence
- less postpartum depression
- lower incidence of abuse