Labor
Support / Doulas
What is a Doula?
Benefits
Labor Support Frequently
Asked Questions
Links to Online Resources
| Studies
show the following benefits of doula support
Effects on birth outcomes:
- Labors are shorter.
- Cesarean sections are reduced by 50%.
- Decreased use of oxytocin to speed up labor.
- Decreased use of forceps.
- Decreased use of pain medication and epidurals.
Effects on the mother:
- Greater satisfaction with birth experience.
- Decreased postpartum depression.
Effections on the baby:
- Shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care
nurseries.
- Babies breastfeed more easily.
- Mothers are more affectionate to babies postpartum.
Effects on the health care system:
- Cost of obstetrical care is dramatically reduced.
The benefits of continuous labor support
are recognized by:
- The World Health Organization
- The Medical Leadership Council(organization of over 1200 US
hospitals)
- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
This information was
obtained from Doulas of North America (DONA).DONA is a non-profit
organization incorporated in 1992, which trains and certifies doulas
according to strict ethical standards. To locate a doula in your
area or find out more you may contact DONA at www.DONA.org or call
1-888-788-DONA |
