The Benefits of Doula Support - for you and your family
 Read HERE about the evidence base and benefits of a Doula, by Rebecca Dekker

Hiring a Doula is a personal choice. Yet there are many significant and proven benefits to hiring a doula for your pregnancy and birth. 
And really, why not? Below are some of the benefits you may experience by hiring a Doula. 

Hiring a Doula is hiring a woman to support you, nurture you, nourish you. It is someone who knows you, you is not scared and will stick by you as your pregnancy and birth process unfold, each moment.  You see, a Doula service isn't just about birth choices - its about a real and traditional intimacy of trust. We are there to be absolutely present - to you. 

BENEFITS

• Improved natural birth outcomes for mum and bub
• Reduction in the need for c-section or pain medication
• Birth education and planning tailored to your needs
• Provision of up to date information on pregnancy, labour and babies
• Significantly reduced tension, stress and fear around labour and birth (or babies)
• The benefit of on-call support at any time during your pregnancy and birth

In 1993, Klaus and Klaus published a study on the role of Doula at birth. There findings include:

• 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery

*  Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can HelpYou Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).

For more information and research about the benefits of a Doula you may like to go to:
http://www.dona.org/resources/research.php