...so why should you have a doula?
Doula's work and support have a meaningful impact on your birth experience.
A doula support is now officially recommended by World Health Organisation (WHO) to be present at all births globally.
39%
decrease in the risk of a Cesarean section
15%
increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
10%
decrease in the use of any medication for pain relief
41
minutes shorter labor on average
38%
decrease in the baby's risk of a low five minute Agpar score
31%
decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
Evidence on doulas
There is some stron scientific evidence on the benefits and effectivenes of birth companions and doulas especially.
There are several reasons why we think doulas are so effective. The first reason is the “harsh environment” theory. In most developed countries, ever since birth moved out of the home and into the hospital, laboring people are frequently submitted to institutional routines, high intervention rates, staff who are strangers, lack of privacy, bright lighting, and needles.
Most of us would have a hard time dealing with these conditions when we’re feeling our best. But people in labor have to deal with these harsh conditions when they are in a very vulnerable state. These harsh conditions may slow down a person’s labor and their self-confidence. It is thought that a doula “buffers” this harsh environment by providing continuous support and companionship which promotes the mother’s self-esteem (Hofmeyr, Nikodem et al. 1991).
A second reason that doulas are effective is that doulas are a form of pain relief in themselves (Hofmeyr, 1991). With continuous support, laboring people are less likely to request epidurals or pain medication. It is thought that there is fewer use of medications because birthing people feel less pain when a doula is present. An additional benefit to the avoidance of epidural anesthesia is that women may avoid many medical interventions that often go along with an epidural, including Pitocin augmentation and continuous electronic fetal monitoring (Caton, Corry et al. 2002).