Women supported by a doula during labor have been shown to have:
50% reduction in Cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in Pitocin use
30% reduction in analgesic use
30% reduction in forceps delivery
Six weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas experienced:
Less anxiety and depression
More confidence with the baby
More satisfaction with their partner
Long-term benefits of using a doula:
Improved breastfeeding
Increased time spent with baby
More positive maternal assessments of baby's personality and health, and maternal competence
Decreased postpartum depression
Source: Mothering the Mother, by M.H. Klaus, J.H. Kennell, and P.H. Klaus; Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, New York (1993).
