In 1989, the research team of Klaus, Kennell and Klaus did the first large
scale study to investigate the use of continuous one-on-one support in
labor. From the study of over 600 normal labors, they found that the use
of a doula made a tremendous difference in the outcome of the birth
experience. The most currently researched benefits of doula support as reported by
Hodnett's Meta Analysis:
 | 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean surgery |
| 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia |
| 41% less likely to give birth by forceps or vacuum extractor |
| 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth
experience |
Reference: Hodnett E, Gates S, Hofmeyr
G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. The
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003. Issue 3, Art. No.
CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.
Several further studies have shown similar results in recent years.
   |
Desert Doula Birth
&
Postpartum Services
