What are the Benefits of Having a Doula?

26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia
33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate your birth experience

The Cochrane Collaboration confirmed in a 2007 study of 13, 391 women the following: "Women who had continuous intrapartum support were likely to have a slightly shorter labour, were more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth and less likely to have analgesia or to report dissatisfaction with their childbirth experiences." It was the authors' conclusion that all women should have continuous support throughout labour and birth.