Benefits of a Doula:

A doula provides many benefits to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Whether it be a first or subsequent pregnancy, Caesarian birth, VBAC, natural birth, medically assisted birth in a hospital or a homebirth a doula can help.

For a first pregnancy and birth, it is helpful to have someone there who understands the physical and emotional aspects of birth. If you are having a Caesarian or a VBAC (vaginal birth after Caesarian), a doula can provide emotional support and reassurance. Women desiring less intervention can greatly increase their chances of a natural birth with a doula as part of their birth support team.

Current research shows the following benefits of doulas on a woman's labour, birth and post natal period:

• 60% less need for an epidural and 30% less need for an injection or pain killers
• reduction in the need for syntocinon drip
• length of labour reduced by 25%
• less need of forceps or vacuum deliveries
• the need for caesarean section reduced by 50%
• more normal births
• mothers have a better birth experience
• mothers have less anxiety during labour
• mothers bond better with their babies
• mothers are more confident with their babies
• mothers have less depression following birth

"Doulas have been associated with significantly less medical intervention as well as positive social outcomes such as decreased maternal anxiety and depression, increased breastfeeding and increased satisfaction with their partner." Marsden Wagner, World Health Organisation

Further information can be found on the following links:

The Doula - an essential ingredient of childbirth rediscovered
Benefits of massage therapy and use of a doula during labour and childbirth
The obstetrical and postpartum benefits of continuous support during childbirth