The benefits of having a continuous childbirth companion are remarkable when looking at what the research shows.

A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a significantly high number of positive birth outcomes with a doula present. With the support of a doula, women were less likely to have pain relief medications administered and were also less likely to have a caesarean birth. Women also reported having a more positive birth experience.

Further studies have shown that having a doula:

• decreases the overall caesarean rate by 50%,
• the length of labour by 25%,
• the use of oxytocin by 40%,
• and requests for an epidural by 60%.

Source: www.evidencebasedbirth.com & www.americanpregnancy.org