Labor Support Services, Susan Miller, CD, DONA, Birth Doula

The American Academy of Family Physicians encourages the use of doulas because [they] decrease the need for pain medication, which in turn increases breastfeeding success rates. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourages the use of doulas because their use lowers cesarean section rates in hospitals. (Source: Gurevich, The Doula Advantage)

Effects on the birth outcome:

Labors are 25% to 50% shorter
There are fewer complications
Cesarean rates are reduced by up to 51%
There is a 40% less need for Pitocin to speed up labor
71% reduction in use of oxytocin
Use of forceps is reduced by 57%
Women request less or no pain medications and epidurals (30% to 60%)

Effects on the parents:

Women report greater satisfaction with childbirth and their abilities to be a good mother
Mothers have more positive assessments of their babies
Less postpartum depression
70% of couples were more satisfied with their relationship six weeks postpartum, compared to only 30% of couples without doulas

Effects on the baby:

Newborns have shorter hospital stays and fewer admissions to special care nurseries
Newborns breastfeed more easily
Facilitates affectionate bonding between mother and child postpartum

Effects on the healthcare system:

Obstetrical care costs are dramatically reduced
Women are pleased with the personalized care doulas offer
Nurses are less stressed knowing that there is a professional doula with the mother at all times
The American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, World Health Organization, Medical Leadership Council of Washington, DC, and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada all encourage the use of doulas

(Source:Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus: Mothering the Mother)

14500 Cutten Road #1208 | Houston, Texas | 832-368-9669 | susan@houstondoula.com