What are the benefits of having a doula?

Aside from the emotional and physical comfort a doula provides, numerous studies have concluded that the presence of a doula can significantly impact the use of interventions for labour and birth. In North America, combined data from five trials indicated:

• 50% reduction in Cesarean Rate
• 25% shorter labours
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in the use of pitocin
• 30% reduction in request for pain relieve
• 40% reduction in forceps deliveries

Similar studies have also concluded that mothers tended to breastfeed longer, suffered less postpartum depression and had greater satisfaction with their birth experience.

London Free Press October 30, 2000
“One-to-One Support from a professional reduces intervention rates, lowers the need for pain control and generally produces a more satisfied patient. This support is crucial for first-time mothers and also for women who’ve had previous caesareans but who want, and may be able to deliver subsequent children vaginally.”
-Ontario Women’s Health Council (WHC)

"Given the clear benefits and no known risks associated with intrapartum support, every effort should be made to ensure that all labouring women receive support, not only from those close to them but also from trained caregivers. This support should include continuous presence, the provision of hands-on-comfort, and encouragement."
The Cochrane Collaboration's Pregnancy and Childbirth Group: Oxford, England 1998