A recent review of data from the Cochrane Collaboration Pregnancy and Childbirth Group showed clear evidence for the effectiveness of doulas in creating positive birth outcomes.
Hiring a doula can of course not guarantee which course your birth will take. Still, the research indicates that women who have doula support have statistically:
- fewer medical interventions
- less vacuum/forcep delivery
- less analgesic use
- less Cesarean Births
- report more positive birth experiences
Click here for a good review of the study.
Power To Push, a healthy birth campaign at the BC Women’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC is currently conducting its own research study on doula care. The study is analyzing the impact of doula care on outcomes of VBACs (Vaginal Births After Cesareans) in Vancouver. Keep an eye on Power to Push for updates on this study.