"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." ~ John H. Kennell, MD
What is a doula?
The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and today refers to a trained professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a woman before, during and just after birth.
What are the benefits of using a doula?
Studies have shown that the use of a doula during labor and delivery can have the following beneficial effects:
*Adapted from Mothering the Mother-- How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth by M.H. Klaus, J.H. Kennell, and P.H. Klaus; Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., New York (1993).
Increasingly research is coming out showing evidence-based effectiveness of doula services which can help with insurance coverage! Here are a few reports:
Doula Care in New York City: Advancing the Goals of the Affordable Care Act by Choices in Childbirth. 28 October 2014
Potential Benefits of Increased Access to Doula Support During Childbirth by Katy B. Kozhimannil, PhD, MPA; Laura B. Attanasio, BA; Judy Jou, MPH; Lauren K. Joarnt; Pamela J. Johnson, PhD; and Dwenda K. Gjerdingen, MD . 28 August 2014
Continuous Support For Women in Childbirth by Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. 15 July 2013
The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and today refers to a trained professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to a woman before, during and just after birth.
What are the benefits of using a doula?
Studies have shown that the use of a doula during labor and delivery can have the following beneficial effects:
- 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in pitocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
- Improved breastfeeding
- Satisfaction with birth experience
- Decreased postpartum depression
*Adapted from Mothering the Mother-- How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth by M.H. Klaus, J.H. Kennell, and P.H. Klaus; Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., New York (1993).
Increasingly research is coming out showing evidence-based effectiveness of doula services which can help with insurance coverage! Here are a few reports:
Doula Care in New York City: Advancing the Goals of the Affordable Care Act by Choices in Childbirth. 28 October 2014
Potential Benefits of Increased Access to Doula Support During Childbirth by Katy B. Kozhimannil, PhD, MPA; Laura B. Attanasio, BA; Judy Jou, MPH; Lauren K. Joarnt; Pamela J. Johnson, PhD; and Dwenda K. Gjerdingen, MD . 28 August 2014
Continuous Support For Women in Childbirth by Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. 15 July 2013