The Doula Effect

 

-39%

RISK OF CESAREAN

women with doulas have been shown in randomized controlled trials to risk a cesarean by 39% less than their unsupported counterparts, and by 14% less than their family-supported counterparts.

Birthing people with doulas have markedly improved health outcomes, from decreased cesarean risk and less need for pitocin, to better newborn health and lowered risk of postpartum depression. Doulas can help you adapt to changing circumstances, and help partners feel more confident as they are more effective in labor support. Doula support can overall help you to look back on your birth as a positive experience, and a source of growth, rather than a traumatic experience, so you have the confidence you need to be a parent.

 
 

+31%

BIRTH SATISFACTION

Birthing people with doulas decrease their risk of reporting feelings of dissatisfaction and trauma with their birth experience by 31%.

 

-41 minute

SHORTER LABORING TIME

On average, laboring with a doula is 41 minutes shorter, and there is a 10% decrease in the use of medications for pain relief.

It’s important to note that these outcomes were proven to show best results when women were supported by someone who was:

  1. not in their social network

  2. not a part of the hospital system, such as a nurse.

Disclaimer:

Health outcomes are not a doula’s primary goal. That is the role of your health practitioner. As your doula, I care more about whether you feel supported in your birth and your choices than whether I’m lowering your risk of cesarean.