What effect do doulas have on birth?
“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”
— Dr. John Kennell“Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor.”
According to a 2012 study pubished in the Cochrane review by Hodnett et al.:
- 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
- 28% decrease in the risk of C-section
- 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
- 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
- 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
Information on doulas:
ACOG Committee Opinion-Approaches to Limit Interventions During Labor and Birth
Having a Doula–Is a doula for me?
Mayo Clinic–What are the benefits of having a doula?
How doulas have a huge, positive impact on c-section rates
Local Resources:
Sioux Falls Breastfeeding Support Group
Pregnancy and Birth:
Cochrane Abstracts on birth (evidence based studies)
Spinning Babies (optimal positioning for baby)
