What are the Benefits of a Doula?
Research has shown that a doula provides benefits for the both the mother and baby, including the reduction of:
It is well documented that the birthing experience has a direct impact on a mother's confidence in her parenting ability. This does not mean that a low intervention, vaginal birth is the only way to be a confident parent. When a woman participates in the decision making process during her birthing journey, she is more likely to have a positive experience - even if a surgical birth is necessary.
As part of your birthing team, we provide information and support for you to be able to access up-to-date, evidence based information relating to your desired goals. We then support you in the decisions that you make. It is unfortunate that most choices given to birthing women are dependant on policies and other agendas. Most of which are non-evidence based. By providing a woman with information and support, she is better able to achieve a fully informed choice and therefore, be more satisfied with her birthing experience.
- Caesarean sections
- Reduction in the use of forceps
- Requests for epidurals
- Reduction in the use of synthetic oxytocin for inductions or augmentations
- Reduction in use of pain medication
- Reduction in labour length
- The studies have further shown an increase in:
- Rates of breastfeeding at 6 weeks post-partum
- Higher self-esteem, less anxiety and less depression at 6 weeks post-partum
Best Evidence: Labour Support by Childbirth Connection
It is well documented that the birthing experience has a direct impact on a mother's confidence in her parenting ability. This does not mean that a low intervention, vaginal birth is the only way to be a confident parent. When a woman participates in the decision making process during her birthing journey, she is more likely to have a positive experience - even if a surgical birth is necessary.
As part of your birthing team, we provide information and support for you to be able to access up-to-date, evidence based information relating to your desired goals. We then support you in the decisions that you make. It is unfortunate that most choices given to birthing women are dependant on policies and other agendas. Most of which are non-evidence based. By providing a woman with information and support, she is better able to achieve a fully informed choice and therefore, be more satisfied with her birthing experience.
