Benefits during birth
Studies have shown the use of a doula during labour and birth can have many beneficial effects. A meta –analysis of twelve trials (including data from a wide variety of medical, cultural and economic settings) showed that the presence of a doula resulted in:
- 51% reduction in the caesarean rate
- Reduction in length of labour (by an average of 98 minutes)
- 16% reduction in epidural requests
- 71% reduction in oxytocin use
- 35% reduction in analgesia (pain medication) use
- 57% reduction in forceps/vacuum deliveries
Long term benefits include:
- Improved success with breastfeeding
- Increased time with baby and easier bonding
- Increased maternal satisfaction with birth experience
- Reduced postpartum depression
