According to the ground-breaking work of Drs. Marshall Klaus and John Kennell and Phyllis Klaus, M.Ed. in their book, Mothering the Mother, studies have shown that having a doula in attendance can result in the following benefits:
- Decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%
- Decreases the length of labor by 25%
- Decrease the use of oxytocin by 40%
- Decreases the mother’s request for pain medication by 30%
- Decreases the need for a forceps delivery by 40%
- Decreases requests for pain medications by 30%
- Helps fathers participate with confidence
- Increases success in breast feeding
- Greater maternal satisfaction
- Fewer neonatal admissions after birth
In the News...
- Research Reviews: Doula Care During Childbirth (PDF)
- "Benefits of Assitant for Childbirth go far Beyond the Birthing Room" The New York Times
- "Study Shows Childbirth Experience can be Improved with the Help of a Friend" Univ. of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
- "Doulas Aid Young Mothers" University of Chicago Magazine
- "Nurses and Doulas" JOGNN Clinical Issues
- "Cochrane Review on Effects of Continuous Labor Support" Childbirth Connection
- "Doulas deliver help for birthing moms" CNN.com/health
Benefits of Continuous Support by a Labor Doula as Demonstrated in Clinical StudiesReduces undesirable events*
- Likelihood of undergoing cesarean section
- Use of epidural anesthesia or other analgesic
- Use of oxytocin (Pitocin)
- Duration of labor
- Use of forceps
- Use of vacuum extraction
- Health complications and hospitalization of newborn
- Maternal fever and infection
- Maternal bleeding after birth
- Postpartum depression
- Anxiety levels
Increases desirable events
- Successful breastfeeding
- Spontaneous vaginal birth
Provides emotional advantages to mother
- Mother experiences a more positive birth experience
- Mother feels more in control
- Mother feels more secure
- Mother has higher regard for newborn and increased sensitivity towards newborn
*Reference: Meyer B, Arnold J, Bonaro D. Social Support by Doulas During Labor and the Early Postpartum Period. Hospital Physician. September 2001; 57-65
