The Evidence for Doulas
You’ve heard about us.
You’ve heard your friend, mom, sister, cousin, and the rest of the world tout our wonders during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. But have you also wondered about the evidence behind why we’re worth being a part of your birth team?
Let’s start with some meaningful numbers
Research shows mothers who use a doula had the following results:
•28% less likely to have c-section
•31% less likely to use Pitocin
•15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth
•10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
•35% less likely to have a negative birth experience
•Shorter labors
(courtesy of Evidence Based Birth + Dona Intl.)
In labor, continuous support is KING—or should I say—QUEEN ;)
And research shows it yields the highest results when it’s provided by someone who isn’t the birthing person’s partner or part of their medical staff. Enter…me, a doula!
I love those statistics. But let’s also look at some other benefits of doula support!
Use of a doula helps the mother walk into her experience feeling...
Empowered: Maybe you have nervousness or fears around labor and what to expect. A doula can help you identify those fears and eliminate worries you have through education and empowerment.
Equipped: A doula doesn’t make choices for the mother; she informs her of her options and helps her come to a decision that helps her achieve her desired birth. A doula also assists by bridging the gap between in-the-moment medical jargon and clear, calm communication between staff & the mother and partner.
Supported: A doula provides hands-on comfort measures and emotional reassurance for the mother-to-be. A doula doesn’t replace a partner; she provides techniques and models comfort measures to help the partner feel confident and skilled to help ease and soothe labor. A doula helps unpack and process the birth experience with the birthing parent, however traumatic or pleasant it may have been.
This is just the tip of the iceberg for why you may want professional birth support.
Bottom line? Every parent-to-be can benefit from adding a doula to their birth team.