The evidence for doulas

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Research has shown that the presence of a doula during labour and birth can have the following effects :

 

• Reduced need of pain relief (Oxytocin/Pitocin and epidural)

• Reduced risk of instrumental birth

• Reduced rate of induction of labour

• Reduced risk of Caesarean birth

• Increased likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

• Shorter labour by an average of 40 minutes

• Reduced risk of a low Apgar score

• Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding, and successfully establishing breastfeeding

 

Women attended by a doula :

 

• Rate their self-esteem higher

• Score lower by half on measures for Postpartum Depression

• Are more likely to rate their birth experience as “good”, and to say they coped well with labour

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For more evidence-based information about doula care,

click here