Benefits of having a Doula

"Labor support is centuries old, but its advantages have now been validated in six controlled studies and its positive benefits should not be overlooked... The challenge is to turn to obstetric technology only when necessary, relying instead on the practice of continuous labor support to help the birth process follow its natural, normal course."
- John Kennel, Marshall Klaus, ET AL.
  Journal of the American Medical Association

• Shortened length of labor
• More satisfying and empowered birth experience
• Lower incidence of forceps or vacuum
• Lower rate of cesarean birth
• Less need for pain medication or epidurals
• Less postpartum depression
• Heightened satisfaction with the overall birth experience
• Increased incidence of successful breastfeeding reported
• Heightened satisfaction with partner reported