Published studies have shown that the use of continuous support for women during childbirth resulted in women being more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have any pain medication, epidurals, negative feelings about childbirth, use of Pitocin during labor, vacuum or forceps-assisted births, or C-sections. When continuous labor support was provided by a doula, women experienced:

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• 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin

• 28% - 50% decrease in the risk of C-section

• 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

• 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief with up to 60% less requests for an epidural

• 40% decrease in the use of oxytocin

• 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery

• 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

• 25% decrease in length of labor

• baby more likely to have higher Apgar scores at birth

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For more details, sources, and a conceptual model on the benefits of having a doula and how her support influences birth outcomes, visit Evidence Based Birth or American Pregnancy.