They say it takes a village

What is a doula?

A doula is a professional support person who gives non-medical physical, emotional, and educational support before, during, and after birth. A doula works to help you have informed choices, open communication with your provider, and the knowledge and ability to advocate for yourself. A doula is a support and guide for the mother and partner. A doula does not replace your partner or medical care provider. The primary responsibility and interest of a doula is the mother during birth and the whole family during postpartum.

What are the benefits?

Some benefits from a birth doula include shorter labors, improved satisfaction with experience, lower risk of cesarean, less pain medication requested, less Pitocin used, higher likelihood of vaginal birth without use of instruments, and lower risk of low five minute Apgar score.

Some benefits from a postpartum doula include reduction in postpartum mood disorders, increased confidence in parenting, boosted self esteem, improved postpartum mental health, improved bonding for partners and siblings, better breastfeeding outcomes, increased movement postpartum, quicker physical recovery, and improved relaxation.

Research and Evidence on Doulas

A 2017 Cochrane review of 26 combined trials found, “Continuous support in labor may improve a number of outcomes for both mother and baby, and no adverse outcomes have been identified. Continuous support from a person who is present solely to provide support, is not a member of the woman’s own network, is experienced in providing labor support, and has at least a modest amount of training (such as a doula), appears beneficial.” (Read full review here)

This review found that women who use a birth doula have:

39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean

15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average

38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score

31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

From ACOG:

“Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized.” (Read paper here)

From March of Dimes:

“Studies suggest that increased access to doula care, especially in under-resourced communities, can improve a range of health outcomes for mothers and babies, lower healthcare costs, reduce c-sections (cesarean sections), decrease maternal anxiety and depression, and help improve communication between low-income, racially/ethnically diverse pregnant women and their health care providers.” (Read statement here)

From DONA International:

The Birth Doula’s Contribution to Modern Maternity Care (Read paper here)

The Postpartum Doula's Role in Maternity Care (Read paper here)