Labor Doula Services

Labor Doula Studies and Statistics

Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during labor were:

  • less likely to have an epidural or other "regional" analgesia
  • less likely to use any type of pain medication (including narcotics)
  • less likely to give birth by cesarean section
  • less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
  • less likely to be dissatisfied with or give a negative rating to their childbirth experience (Hodnett and colleagues 2004).

Women supported by someone involved in the birth for that purpose alone were:

  • 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
  • 41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
  • 28% less likely to use any pain medications and
  • 33% less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their birth experience (Hodnett and colleagues 2004).

Benefits are even greater if women receive support:

  • beginning earlier rather later in labor (Hodnett and colleagues 2004, Simkin and O'Hara 2002)
  • in settings that do not allow them to bring companions of choice (versus settings that do allow husbands, friends, etc.) (Hodnett and colleagues 2004, Simkin and O'Hara 2002)
  • in settings where epidural analgesia is not routine (versus settings where epidural is routine) (Hodnett and colleagues 2004).

The studies indicate that the more labor support and the better the quality, the greater the favorable impact. A trained, knowledgeable doula in a non-study situation (remember studies have restrictions and limitations in order to achieve useable results) may offer YOU an even more satisfying birthing experience.

Six weeks after birth, mothers who had doula care for birth were:

  • Less anxious and depressed
  • More confident with baby
  • More satisfied with partner (71% vs. 30%)
  • More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%)

References
Hodnett ED. Pain and women's satisfaction with the experience of childbirth: a systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 186,5 (2002) S160-72.

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.

Scott KD, Berkowitz G, and Klaus M. A comparison of intermittent and continuous support during labor: a meta-analysis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 180,5 (1999) 1054-1059.

Simkin PP and O'Hara MA. Nonpharmacologic relief of pain during labor: systematic reviews of five methods. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 186,5 (2002) S131-59.