Doula care Impact on Maternal Health
Cochran reviewed and updated the findings of the use of continuous support during childbirth from research studies in 2012 and found that the women were more likely to have a vaginal birth with no pain relief or negative feelings about their experience. On average the labours for the women were shortened by 40% and their babies were had better condition.
28% Decrease in the risk of a Caesarean Section
12% Increase in spontaneous Vaginal Birth
14% Decreased risk of babies being admitted to Special Care Nursery.
Hodnett et. al. (2012) pooled and reviewed 22 studies that looked at the continuous support effects on 15,000 women during labour and the baby’s outcomes. They considered if the support made a difference if being from a midwife, partner, family member or doula.
The studies looked at six questions, out of the six questions four had better outcomes with the continuing labour support of a doula.
When the women received the continuous support of a doula the women experienced:
31% decrease in Syntocinon (used to speed up labour)
28% Decrease in the chance of caesarean section.
12% increase in the chance of spontaneous labour
9% Less use of pain relief or medications
14% decreased risk of babies being admitted to special care nursery.
34% chance of being dissatisfied with the birth experience.
(Holdnett et al. 2012)
These studies have shown us as women that the continuous care received from a doula is invaluable. With a doula, providing support and care you and your baby have better opportunities of being satisfied with your birth experience and greater health outcomes for you and your newborn.
The support from a Doula increases benefits compared to other forms of support e.g. partner, friend, family or midwife.
References:
Holdnett, E, D., S. et al. (2012). “Continuous support for women during childbirth.”