Benefits of having a doula present at your birth

Research studies have found that when a doula attends births, "labours are shorter, there are fewer complications, and there is less need for Oxytocin, forceps, vacuum extraction, pain medication, epidurals or caesarean deliveries."

• 25% shorter labour
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery
• 50% reduction in the caesarean rate
• mothers feel more in control and less anxious
• increased chances of successful breastfeeding
• reduced incidence of postpartum depression
• greater satisfaction with childbirth, resulting in a more positive birth experience

Mothering the Mother; Marshall H. Kalau, M.D.; John H. Kennel,
M.D.; and Phyllis H. Klaus, M.Ed., C.S.W.