"A doula provides support consisting of praise, reassurance, measures to improve the comfort of the mother, physical contact such as rubbing the mother’s back and holding her hands, explanation of what is going on during labour and delivery and a constant friendly presence."
Care in Normal Birth: a Practical Guide. Report of a Technical Working Group. World Health Organization, 1996
Birth Doulas Make a Real Difference
The value of providing laboring women with continuous emotional support, physical comfort, and encouragement has been recognized worldwide.
Eleven studies showed the following effects of doula support:
Effects on Birth Outcomes:
Labors are shorter.
There are fewer complications.
Cesarean rates are reduced.
There is less need for oxytocin to speed up labor.
Need for forceps is reduced.
Women request less pain medication and epidurals
Effects on the Mother:
Greater satisfaction with their birth experience.
More positive assessments of their babies.
Less postpartum depression.
Effects on the Baby:
Babies have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries.
Babies breastfeed more easily.
Mothers are more affectionate to their babies postpartum.
Effects on the health care system:
The cost of obstetrical care is dramatically reduced.
Women are pleased with the personalized care doulas offer.
The Benefit of continuous support in labor is recognized by:
• The World Health Organization
• The Medical Leadership Council (an organization of over 1200 U.S. hospitals)
• The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing
Nurses and Doulas: Complementary Roles to Provide Optimal Maternity Care (PDF 112KB)
Supportive Care During Labour and Childbirth
Encourage the woman to have personal support from a person of her choice throughout labour and birth:
- Encourage support from the chosen birth companion;
- Arrange seating for the companion next to the woman;
- Encourage the companion to give adequate support to the woman during labour and childbirth (rub her back, wipe her brow with wet cloth, assist her to move about).
Ensure good communication and support by staff:
- Explain all procedures, seek permission and discuss findings with the woman;
- Provide a supportive, encouraging atmosphere for birth, respectful of the woman’s wishes;
- Ensure privacy and confidentiality.
Links to Doula Information
World Health Organization: Normal Labour
Cochrane Review on Effects of Continuous Labor Support
Care of Women in U.S. Hospitals, 2000
(PDF)Social Support by Doulas During Labor and the Early Postpartum Period
(PDF)Continuous Labor Support Offers Big Benefits to Mothers & Babies,
Has No Known Downsides
