Evidence suggests that when a doula provides labour support, women are more satisfied with their experience and the mother-infant interaction can be enhanced.
Studies have shown that a doula's presence contributes to a:
- Reduction in cesarean rate
- Shorter labour
- Reduction in epidural requests
- Reduction in use of oxytocin
- Reduction in the use of analgesia
Klaus, Kennell, Klaus (1993)
Research shows that parents who receive support:
- Feel more secure and cared for
- Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
- Have greater success with breastfeeding
- Have greater self-confidence
- Have less postpartum depression
- Have lower incidences of abuse
From DONA International
Does a Doula Replace the Father?
No! A labour doula can actually help facilitate a father's involvement in this special time. With doula support, fathers tend to stay more involved with their partner rather than pull away in times of stress. At times, a father may not understand a woman's instinctive behavior during childbirth and may react anxiously to what a doula knows to be the normal process of birth. The doula can skillfully help the mother to cope with labour pain in her unique way, while taking some of the pressure off of the partner to do the "right" thing. The father's presence and loving support in childbirth is comforting and irreplaceable. The love he shares with the mother and his child and his need to nurture and protect his family are things that only he can provide as an emotional anchor and support.
Photography by Tara Tilroe. Images Copyright Ó 2007 Birthhands Inc. All Rights Reserved.
"Asking your husband to be your sole guide through labour is like asking him to lead the way on a climb of Mt. Everest. He may be smart and trustworthy, you may love him, but in the Himalayas, you'd both be better off with a Sherpa!" .... unknown
- Empowering You to Birth in Awareness -
Providing Doula care for Families in the Sherwood Park & Edmonton area
