Benefits of a Doula

A current review of 21 studies confirmed that mothers who have continuous trained labor support: Are less likely to have a Cesarean Birth Are less likely to use narcotics Are less likely to use regional anesthetic Overall have shorter labors Less likely to need forceps or vacuums Are more likely to rate their experience as a positive one Reduce the chances of baby having a poor APGAR score within 5 minutes of birth

Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Weston J,  Continuous support for women during childbirth (Review), The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 2

Research also shows parents who receive support can:

• Feel more secure and cared for

• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics

• Have greater success with breastfeeding

• Have greater self-confidence

• Have less postpartum depression

• Have lower incidence of abuse

From DONA International

The benefits of a doula are many, and on top of those listed above, it can also save people, hospitals, and insurance companies money!