"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." ~ Dr. John H. Kennell
Benefits of Doula Support• Mothers achieve a more relaxed comfortable birth
• 50% reduction in cesarean rate • 60% reduction use of epidural • Reduced duration of labor • 40% reduced use of Pitocin • Reduced use of forceps and vacuum extraction • Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection • Fewer episiotomies • Increased chance of successful breastfeeding • Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth “Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth”, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993). |
Maternal Perceptions at Six Weeks Postpartum:
Perceptions Of Baby (No Doula):
• 55% Cries less then others • 91% Special • 65% Easy to manage • 78% Clever • 89% Beautiful • 100% Regard baby as separate, sociable person by 6 wks Perceptions Of Self (No Doula): • 80% Feels close to baby • 65% Pleased to have baby • 65% Managing well • 68% Communicates well • 11% Becoming a mother was easy • 31% Can look after baby better than anyone else | Perceptions Of Baby (with Doula Support):
• 17% Cries less than others • 71% Special • 65% Easy to manage • 47% Clever • 67% Beautiful • 80% Regard baby as separate, sociable person by 6 wks Perceptions Of Self (with Doula Support): • 97% Feels close to baby • 97% Pleased to have baby • 91% Managing well • 91% Communicates well • 45% Becoming a mother was easy • 72% Can look after baby better than anyone else |
Adapted from “The Doula Book”, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (2002) and http://www.mamasmusedoulas.com/benefits
