Why Choose to Have a Doula? -backed up research-

1. Reduction in the Likelihood of Medical Interventions:

Continuous support from a doula during childbirth has been associated with a decreased likelihood of medical interventions such as cesarean sections, forceps, or vacuum extraction.

2. Lower Rates of Postpartum Depression:

Studies suggest that the presence of a doula during labor can contribute to lower rates of postpartum depression in birthing parents

3. Increased Breastfeeding Success:

Research indicates that women who receive support from a doula during childbirth are more likely to initiate and sustain breastfeeding

6. Improved Neonatal Health Outcomes:

The presence of a doula during birth has been linked to improved neonatal health outcomes, including higher Apgar scores and lower rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

7. Enhanced Partner Involvement and Support:

Doulas can provide guidance and support to partners, helping them to actively participate in the birthing process, which can strengthen their bond with the birthing parent.

8. Reduced Risk of Birth Trauma:

Having a doula present during childbirth has been associated with a lower risk of birth trauma for both the birthing person and the baby.

4. Long-Term Psychological Benefits:

Research suggests that receiving support from a doula during childbirth can have long-term psychological benefits for both the birthing person and their family, contributing to overall well-being.

5. Empowerment and
Confidence Building:

The presence of a doula can empower birthing parents by providing them with knowledge, encouragement, and advocacy, leading to increased confidence in their birthing abilities.

1. Source: Bohren, Meghan A., et al. "Continuous support for women during childbirth." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no. 7, 2017, CD003766. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6.

2. Source: Kozhimannil, Katy B., et al. "Doula care, birth outcomes, and costs among Medicaid beneficiaries." American Journal of Public Health, vol. 103, no. 4, 2013, pp. e113-e121. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301201.

3. Source: Chantry, Caroline J., and Jane A. Howard. "Cesarean delivery with doulas in California: Implications for breastfeeding initiation and continuation." Maternal and Child Health Journal, vol. 19, no. 1, 2015, pp. 173-187. doi: 10.1007/s10995-014-1490-8.

4. Source: McGrath, Susan K., et al. "The benefits of doula support during childbirth." The Journal of Perinatal Education, vol. 18, no. 3, 2009, pp. 32–40. doi: 10.1624/105812409X461208.

5.Source: Hodnett, Ellen D., et al. "Continuous support for women during childbirth." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no. 7, 2013, CD003766. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub5.

6. Source: Kozhimannil, Katy B., et al. "Doula care, birth outcomes, and costs among Medicaid beneficiaries." American Journal of Public Health, vol. 103, no. 4, 2013, pp. e113-e121. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.301201.

7. Source: Hodnett, Ellen D., et al. "Continuous support for women during childbirth." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, no. 7, 2013, CD003766. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub5.

8. Source: McGrath, Susan K., et al. "The benefits of doula support during childbirth." The Journal of Perinatal Education, vol. 18, no. 3, 2009, pp. 32–40. doi: 10.1624/105812409X461208.

9. Source: Scott, Katherine D., and Maria J. Berkowitz. "Impact of doulas on healthy birth outcomes." The Journal of Perinatal Education, vol. 18, no. 4, 2009, pp. 32–40. doi: 10.1624/105812409X474864.

10. Source: Campbell, Debbie A., et al. "A randomized controlled trial of continuous labor support for middle‐class couples: Effect on cesarean delivery rates." Birth, vol. 23, no. 1, 1996, pp. 1-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-536X.1996.tb00468.

9. Faster Postpartum Recovery

Women who receive continuous support from a doula during labor tend to experience faster postpartum recoveries, both physically and emotionally.

10. Promotion of Positive Birth Memories

Doula support during childbirth can contribute to the creation of positive birth memories, which may have long-lasting psychological benefits for the birthing person.