Benefits & Research
Research shows that when a woman has a doula she is 50% less likely to have a caesarean, labour is shorter or less strenuous by 25%, there is 30% reduction in requests for pain relieving drugs and 60% reduction in epidurals. (Ref. Kennell, Klaus and Kennell, 1993).
Along with the decrease of these complications and interventions, it has also been proven that there is less chance of post partum depression for mother as she approaches the demands of parenthood.
The long term effects of having a doula assissted birth are said to include boosting the mother's self esteem, enhancing parent/baby bonding as well as creating a much stronger, inclusive relationship for the whole family.
