The evidence for doulas

Firstly, here are some stats. When continuous labour support was provided by doulas, women experienced a:

    • 31% decrease in induction/augmentation of labour
    • 12% increase in spontaneous vaginal birth
    • 9% decrease in requests for pain relief
    • 14% decrease in newborns being admitted to special care
    • 34% decrease in dissatisfaction with the birth experience.

For most of these outcomes the best results occurred when woman had continuous labour support from a doula – someone who was not medical staff or part of the woman’s social network.

And from a study in England:

  • 12.5% of births supported by doulas were by caesarean, just under half the national rate of 25.5%.
  • 26.3% of women had a home birth with doula support, compared to the 2.4% national rate.
  • 22.5% more women initiated breastfeeding with a doula, and 31.3% more women were still feeding at six weeks.
  • epidural uptake was less than 15%, compared to a 62.9% national average (49.3% spontaneous births).

Having a doula is so much more than statistics, it’s about having unwavering emotional support during a crucial period. Our reviews and testimonials might be helpful in finding out if you think we would be a good fit for you.
If you want to talk more about our own statistics, or anything else, please contact us.

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