Having a doula present at a birth

• Shortens first-time labour by an average of 2 hours 
• Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%
• Decreases the need for pain medication
• Helps fathers participate with confidence
• Increases success in breast-feeding

(Findings taken from "Mothering the Mother" by Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993)

The positive effects of having a doula present during labour and childbirth have been considered within medical literature in the UK and globally for example:

• The Cochrane Review considers multiple trials all involving continuous support during childbirth and reports an increased chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth, no identified adverse effects and a higher satisfaction rate for women who had received continuous support. To read the review click here..

• A randomised controlled trial conducted in America looking at doula support in labour found significantly shorter lengths of labour and higher Apgar scores at both 1 and 5 minutes. To view click here..

The Nurturing Birth website has a good selection of doula related studies for you to read in a handy summarised form, to view click here..

The Doula UK website also has an extensive list, to view click here..