The word "doula " comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.
50% reduction of caesarean rate
25% shorter labour
60% reduction in epidural request
30% reduction in analgesia used
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Findings from "Mothering the Mother" Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993
25% shorter labour
60% reduction in epidural request
30% reduction in analgesia used
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Findings from "Mothering the Mother" Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993
A study shows that 6 weeks after birth ladies who had a doula were:Less likely to become anxious and depressed Had more confidence with baby More satisfied with partner (71% vs 30%) More likely to be breastfeeding (51% vs. 29%)
"A Doula Makes the Difference" by Nugent in Mothering Magazine Issue 87, March/April 1998 http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/midwives_doulas/doula-difference.html
