Doula Benefits

Many scientific studies have shown that having a doula present during labor results in a happier, more comfortable, and more natural birth experience for mothers, their partners, and their babies. Here are some of the benefits of using a doula:

  • Shorter labors
  • Fewer cesarean sections
  • Babies born in better condition
  • Decreased need for pain medications, especially epidurals
  • Fewer episiotomies
  • Decreased use of Pitocin to stimulate labor
  • Decreased artificial rupturing of membranes to stimulate labor
  • Lower risk of post-partum depression
  • Greater sense of control over the birth experience
  • Greater sense of satisfaction and having coped well with labor
  • Easier transition to motherhood

Not only are these results encouraging to your choice to use a doula, they translate into a financial bottom line.  Procedures and interventions cost money, and if scientific study indicates that a doula reduces your chances have having a procedure or intervention, it can be concluded that she’ll save money on your bottom line.  Health care is expensive, even with the best insurance plans.  The green sheet inside your folder is a meta-analysis of costs associated with childbirth, and what you might expect to pay with or without a doula when all is said and done.  We’d be happy to discuss it in more detail with anybody interested, but in the interest of time we’ll give you the bottom line.  If you have the a large group insurance plan, a doula investment will save you close to $500.  If you don’t qualify for large group and have pursued an individual plan, hiring us may save you close to $1100.  Our introductory doula plan costs $299, so already you will see return on your investment.  Our plans above the introductory plan go even further in creating a positive birth experience by adding prenatal preparation, massage, lactation services, postnatal follow ups, classes, and bookstore gift certificates.  All of these add-ons will benefit your birth, but they will benefit your bottom line as well since they also have evidence-based research showing they too produce positive health outcomes in the short and long term.

References
Cogan R and Spinnato JA. Social support during premature labor: effects on labor and the newborn. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 1988:209-216.
Goer H. The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth. 1999.
Hodnett ED and Osborne RW. A randomized trial of the effects of monitrice support during labor: mothers’ views two to four weeks postpartum. Birth 1989; 16(4):177-183.
Hodnett ED. Caregiver support for women during childbirth (Cochrane Review). The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 1999. Oxford: Update Software.
Kennell J and McGrath SK. Labor support by a doula for middle income couples: the effect on cesarian rates. Pediatr Res 1993; 33:12A.
Kennell J et al. Continuous emotional support during labor in a US hospital. JAMA 1991; 265(17):2197-2201.
Klaus MH et al. Effects of social support during parturition on maternal and infant morbidity. Br Med J 1986; 293:585-587.
Madi BC et al. Effects of female relative support in labor: a randomized controlled trial. Birth 1999;26(1):4-8.
Martin S et al. The effect of doula support during labor on mother-infant interaction at 2 months. Infant Behav Develop 1998; 21(Suppl):556.
Porter J and Mayri S. Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators: Labor Assistant Program Manual. Version 2: 1993-2004.
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