Previous research describes doula support as significant and affirms that it is associated with healthier birth outcomes, with fewer medical interventions for both mother and child.
Evidence suggests it is likely more than the emotional, physical and informational support that doulas provide to women during the birth process that accounts for the reduced need for clinical procedures during labour and delivery, the decrease in birth complications, and the more satisfying experiences during labour, birth and the post-partum period [8].
Supports breastfeeding
One study showed that the group receiving doula support was twice as likely to be breastfeeding at six weeks (89% compared with 40% for standard care). Breastfeeding at 6 weeks was also significantly associated with timely onset of lactogenesis and with the mother reporting that the infant was feeding well on day three [9]. These findings are confirmed by another study of nearly 12,000 women [10].
Less pain during labour
A reduction in the use of epidurals and pain relief has been observed among expectant mothers who are supported by a doula [11].
One study showed that mothers supported by a doula experienced 2.5 times less pain than those without support. This may be due to the fact that the doula calms the mother during labour and suggests different positions to help the baby descend [12]. Mothers are also less anxious when supported by their doula during labour [13].
A more straightforward birth
Women receiving doula support are significantly more likely to have a shorter stage II labour [14] and greater cervical dilation [15].
For example, one study showed that the duration of labour was reduced by an average of 41 minutes for women supported by a doula [16].
A less medicalised birth
Women supported by a doula are more likely to have a vaginal birth without instruments [17] and also have an 18% greater chance of giving birth without the need for a caesarean section in one study [18].
There is a 15% greater chance of having a spontaneous vaginal birth with the presence of a doula [19].
A better birth experience for the mother
One study showed that having a caesarean section or medical intervention increased the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder after birth. In contrast, they observed that having a doula was associated with fewer caesarean sections, fewer medical interventions and less obstetric violence, enabling women to have a better birth experience and reducing the risk of post-traumatic stress [20].
In another study, they observed a 31% reduction in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience thanks to the continuous support provided by a doula [21].
An effect on the baby's weight
One study showed that mothers not supported by a doula were four times more likely to have a low-birth-weight baby than mothers supported by a doula [22].
An effect on the baby's health
A review combining the results of several studies showed a 38% reduction in the risk of the baby receiving a low Apgar score (which reflects the baby's circulatory, respiratory and neurological status) at five minutes [23].
Lower risk of premature birth
One study showed that women who receive doula support have a 22% lower chance of giving birth prematurely [24].
A stronger bond with their child
At four months post-partum, one study shows that parents who received doula support have more positive mother-infant interactions. Specifically, mothers were more responsive to their infant's distress, infants cried and fussed less, and mothers were more encouraging of learning and the expression of positive affect [25].
This could be explained by the fact that the doulas' earlier messages, normalising the expression of children's needs and encouraging parents to find joy in their interactions with their children, gave parents greater resilience to accept their toddler's assertive or independent behaviour as normal.
