Effect on Birth Outcomes: 

labors are shorter.

There are fewer complications.

Cesarean rates are reduced.

There is less need for oxytocin to speed up labor.

Need for forceps is reduced.

Women request less pain medication and epidurals.

Meta-analysis of several doula studies

36% reduction in use of pain medications

51% reduction in c-sections

71% reduction in use of oxytocin

57% reduction in forceps deliveries

An average of 1 hour and 38 minutes shorter labor

                                source: Scott, Berkowitz, & Klaus, 1999, California.

       American Journal of Obstetrics and Gyneocology 180. No. 5 (1999) : 1054-1059 

How doulas practice:

Privately, hired directly by clients

As hospital employees

As volunteers in community or hospital programs

How a Doula can help you....

During Pregnancy is the best time to meet your doula. Besides getting to know her, you can discuss what you would like from your birth experience. Your doula can answer questions and provide information that can help you make decisions concerning your labor and birth. During the prenatal visits, you can talk about the role you would like her to play and ways she can be helpful during the birth.

Labor and Birth, your doula joins you and your partner when you feel the need for her comfort and support. As you labor, she remains close by until the baby is born. During the course of your labor, she will be there to offer encouragement, answer questions and suggest ways to manage pain or speed labor. She uses relaxation, visualization, massage, body positioning, breathing and attention focusing techniques to help you. She is also there to provide comfort and reassurance to your partner.

After the Birth, your doula helps you through the immediate postpartum procedures and early breastfeeding, usually staying for the first two hours. If there is a need for her to stay longer, or additional support is needed she will adjust to fit your needs.