Did you know that statistics have proven that doulas make a huge impact on the comfort of a labouring woman by helping her to achieve an easier, quicker birth.  These numbers continue to increase as doulas become more popular and attend more births.  It makes perfect sense to have help during this time when you are so involved in just trying to breathe.

It is a required medical procedure to have your care provider, whether a doctor, midwife or obstetrician, at your birth.  It should also be essential to have a doula, as doulas can be an integral part of creating a positive birthing experience.

Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993) compiled the results of over fifteen years work with over 1,500 women from several different countries in Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth. According to the authors, the benefits of using a doula are as follows:

– 50% reduction in Cesarean rates

– 25% shorter labour

– 60% reduction in epidural requests

– 40% reduction in syntocinon (Oxytocin) use

– 30% reduction in analgesia use

– 40% reduction in forceps delivery

this is from my book “What Does a Doula Do?” – so tell me why would you not want a Doula present at your birth.   In addition, there are so many different techniques and specialties a Doula can use during your labour.

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

John H. Kennell