Erin Luben, MPH, CD(DONA)

A growing body of research shows that the use of a doula has clear benefits for families during childbirth and postpartum, with no known risks.

 

Mothers who use a doula during labor have been found to be less likely than women who did not use a doula to:

• Have a cesarean birth
• Choose an epidural
• Use pitocin
• Have a forceps delivery
• Have their infant kept in the hospital for more than 2 days
• Have a fever
• Have difficulty breastfeeding
• Experience post-partum anxiety and depression

Mothers who use a doula during labor have been found to be more likely than women who did not use a doula to:

• Breastfeed exclusively and for longer
  
• Respond sensitively to their infants
• View their relationship with their partner to be better after the birth
• Have a positive image of their babies
• Feel closer and well-bonded to their babies
• Have confidence in their ability to mother
  

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Only with trust, faith, and support can the woman allow the birth experience to enlighten and empower her.

Claudia Lowe

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The wisdom and compassion a woman can intuitively experience in childbirth can make her a source of healing and understanding for other women.

 

Stephen Gaskin

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