The Benefits of Hiring a Birth Doula
Have you heard? Studies suggest, statistically, birthing women have a better chance of getting a low-intervention, natural birth with the presence of a birth doula.
In fact, a Cochrane review published in 2012 found that in labors with the continuous presence of a doula, laboring mothers experience:
The American Journal of Managed Care reported in 2014 that:
Doula support is an integral part of good care. When comparing doula support to other types of labor support, including support by hospital staff, support of a friend or relative, or partner support and found that doula supported mothers had the best outcomes. It is important to note, the study does not discount the role of family and birth partners. Instead, it demonstrates the fact that doulas can provide additional help to a laboring mother that can specifically increase her odds of experiencing her desired birth.
Other studies have also shown that the best outcomes occur when a woman is supported by a doula in conjunction with a supportive hospital staff and birth partner.
Comments from Moms:
"I wish I would have hired one for the birth of my first child, who ended up being born by cesarean after “failure to progress”. At the time, I thought I was prepared since I had taken a childbirth class. The second time around I educated myself, switched to a provider with a lower cesarean rate, hired a doula and had a beautiful VBAC birth in the hospital. Having a doula made a huge difference. She told me what to expect, helped me get into positions that would encourage the baby to be in position, she kept me calm and relaxed. I would not have had the birth I did if it wasn’t for her." -- Laurie
"I had a doula for my second birth! She was amazing at helping with pain relief. She kept me relax. So my husband was able to focus on being with me and comforting me in a way only a husband can. But my doula definitely made it a beautiful and empowering experience." -- Megan
"Can’t say enough about their value! So helpful in many ways, supportive, advocates, and it’s nice to have clear mind around when you and your husband aren’t thinking straight!" -- Beth
"I had a doula the second time around and wouldn’t have had it any other way. My goal was to have a drug-free birth and that is what I accomplished. She helped me with my labor at home, then went to the hospital when I was nearly ready to push and delivered my beautiful baby girl!" -- Laura
"I had a doula and I was able to give birth to my daughter naturally. Based on how my labor progressed (s-l-o-w) and the way my daughter was positioned (sunny-side up), I believe I would have ended up with a C-section. In the moment, it really helped to have someone encouraging me to try one more thing before getting an epidural. It was a really, really hard labor, but it was worth it. Super alert baby and took to the breast like a champ. That was my goal." --Lesley
"Great resource for myself and my husband. It was our first baby, and we found ours through a local midwife. She was dedicated, took the time to get to know us, and our vision for our birth. She met with our OB ahead of time and really helped by being another person of support during the final month of pregnancy, birth, and the time after." -- Amber
"Highly recommend, especially if like in our case, it’s your first, and you don’t have any family you want to be there. Hooray for Great Doula’s!" -- Kristine
Many women benefit from having a birth doula whether you are planning to have an epidural, medications, or even a C-section. Doulas can be helpful in any setting including at a home birth, a birth center, a hospital or any other birth scenario. However, it is important for a birth doula to be experienced in natural birth if that is your desire.
Whether you choose one of our Solo Birth Doulas or choose our Team Doulas, rest assured you will be well supported through your labor fully!
In fact, a Cochrane review published in 2012 found that in labors with the continuous presence of a doula, laboring mothers experience:
- Reduced use of pitocin
- Decreased rate of interventions during labor
- Less need for pain medication and less requests for epidural
- Higher satisfaction with birth outcomes
- Much lower c-section rate
- Higher chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- Shorter labors
The American Journal of Managed Care reported in 2014 that:
Doula support is an integral part of good care. When comparing doula support to other types of labor support, including support by hospital staff, support of a friend or relative, or partner support and found that doula supported mothers had the best outcomes. It is important to note, the study does not discount the role of family and birth partners. Instead, it demonstrates the fact that doulas can provide additional help to a laboring mother that can specifically increase her odds of experiencing her desired birth.
Other studies have also shown that the best outcomes occur when a woman is supported by a doula in conjunction with a supportive hospital staff and birth partner.
Comments from Moms:
"I wish I would have hired one for the birth of my first child, who ended up being born by cesarean after “failure to progress”. At the time, I thought I was prepared since I had taken a childbirth class. The second time around I educated myself, switched to a provider with a lower cesarean rate, hired a doula and had a beautiful VBAC birth in the hospital. Having a doula made a huge difference. She told me what to expect, helped me get into positions that would encourage the baby to be in position, she kept me calm and relaxed. I would not have had the birth I did if it wasn’t for her." -- Laurie
"I had a doula for my second birth! She was amazing at helping with pain relief. She kept me relax. So my husband was able to focus on being with me and comforting me in a way only a husband can. But my doula definitely made it a beautiful and empowering experience." -- Megan
"Can’t say enough about their value! So helpful in many ways, supportive, advocates, and it’s nice to have clear mind around when you and your husband aren’t thinking straight!" -- Beth
"I had a doula the second time around and wouldn’t have had it any other way. My goal was to have a drug-free birth and that is what I accomplished. She helped me with my labor at home, then went to the hospital when I was nearly ready to push and delivered my beautiful baby girl!" -- Laura
"I had a doula and I was able to give birth to my daughter naturally. Based on how my labor progressed (s-l-o-w) and the way my daughter was positioned (sunny-side up), I believe I would have ended up with a C-section. In the moment, it really helped to have someone encouraging me to try one more thing before getting an epidural. It was a really, really hard labor, but it was worth it. Super alert baby and took to the breast like a champ. That was my goal." --Lesley
"Great resource for myself and my husband. It was our first baby, and we found ours through a local midwife. She was dedicated, took the time to get to know us, and our vision for our birth. She met with our OB ahead of time and really helped by being another person of support during the final month of pregnancy, birth, and the time after." -- Amber
"Highly recommend, especially if like in our case, it’s your first, and you don’t have any family you want to be there. Hooray for Great Doula’s!" -- Kristine
Many women benefit from having a birth doula whether you are planning to have an epidural, medications, or even a C-section. Doulas can be helpful in any setting including at a home birth, a birth center, a hospital or any other birth scenario. However, it is important for a birth doula to be experienced in natural birth if that is your desire.
Whether you choose one of our Solo Birth Doulas or choose our Team Doulas, rest assured you will be well supported through your labor fully!
