What are the Benefits of a Doula?
A happier mom and a happier baby! Women who have used a doula have referred to them
as “essential”, “the best thing they ever did” and “the steady force”. By reducing
fear, stress and anxiety, we allow the labour to progress more freely. Stress hormones
can all inhibit progress by affecting the functioning of the uterus and the placenta,
thus affecting the progress of labour and the oxygen intake of the baby. The doula
is specially trained to support women and families on a physical, social and emotional
level to reduce the effects of these emotions. Studies have shown that women with
distressing thoughts and feelings during labour are at an increased risk for prolonged
labour, fetal distress and various interventions. A doula uses her skills to assess
what a woman wants and needs at any given time.
Fewer interventions: Care by doulas resulted in 26% reduction of cesareans,
41% fewer instrumental deliveries.
A more comfortable labour: 28% less likely to use pain medication. There
are many techniques that a doula uses to support a woman during labour.
A more satisfying experience: overall significantly more satisfied with
the birth.
NOTE: Statistics taken from, The Labour Progress Handbook by Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta,
Copyright 2005 by Blackwell Publishing.
