Benefits of having a doula at your birth -

Studies have shown that having a doula's support may:

• shorten labour by about 1.5 hours
• decrease chance of cesarean birth by 51%
• decrease the use for pain medication by 36%
• reduce the need for pitocin by 71%
• reduce the need for forceps by 57%
• help partners participate with confidence
• facilitate mother-baby bonding & breastfeeding

Source: Continuous support for women during childbirth (Cochrane Review) Hodnett, E.D., Gates, S., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C. The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2004. & A comparison of intermittent and continuous support during labor: a meta-analysis. Scott, K.D., Berkowitz, G., Klaus, M. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 1999 May. 180(5): 1054-9.  

Benefits of having a postpartum doula -

Studies have shown that having a postpartum doula may:

• facilitate breastfeeding
• facilitate parent-infant bonding
• decrease the incidence of postpartum depression
• encourage appropriate well-baby and mother care
• increase parents’ confidence in their parenting skills
• provide support for siblings to enjoy the positive experience of the new baby