Have you considered hiring a Doula?
Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to individuals before, during, and after childbirth. Their presence has been associated with numerous positive outcomes for families. This blog explores the services doulas offer and highlights evidence-based research underscoring their benefits.
Services Offered by Doulas
1. Emotional Support
Doulas offer unwavering emotional support throughout the perinatal period. They provide reassurance, encouragement, and a calming presence, helping to alleviate anxiety and build confidence in their clients. This continuous support has been linked to reduced stress levels during labour and birth. Published NLM review May 23
2. Physical Support
During labour, doulas assist with comfort measures such as positioning, massage, and breathing techniques. Their guidance can lead to shorter labour durations and a decreased need for pain relief and/or interventions.
3. Informational Support
Doulas can provide or signpost to evidence-based information, helping clients make informed decisions about their care. They clarify medical procedures, discuss potential interventions, and ensure that clients understand their options, fostering a sense of empowerment and active participation in the birthing process.
4. Advocacy
Acting as advocates, doulas facilitate communication between the birthing individual and health care professionals. They ensure that the client’s preferences and concerns are heard and respected, contributing to a more personalised and enjoyable birth experience.
5. Postnatal Support
After childbirth, doulas continue to provide support, assisting with breastfeeding, new-born care, and the emotional transition into parenthood. This ongoing support has been associated with higher rates of breastfeeding success and reduced postnatal depression. Published NLM review May 23
Evidence-Based Benefits of Doula Support
1. Reduced Caesarean Rates
Continuous support from doulas has been linked to lower caesarean section rates. The scoping review cited above indicated that doula involvement in antenatal care is associated with reduced caesarean births.
2. Improved Maternal Health Outcomes
Research indicates that doula support can lead to better maternal health outcomes, including fewer medical interventions and complications during childbirth. A 2022 Lancet retrospective cohort study found that doula care can decrease the risk of adverse maternal health outcomes, particularly among women at higher risk for maternal morbidity and mortality. Research from the US in June 2023
3. Enhanced Infant Health
Babies born to parents with doula support are less likely to have low five-minute Apgar scores, indicating better overall health at the time of birth. Continuous support during labour has been associated with improved neonatal outcomes. Cochrane Review from July 2017
4. Increased Breastfeeding Success
Doula support has been shown to improve breastfeeding outcomes. Studies indicate that continuous support during labour may reduce the rate of low five-minute Apgar scores, contributing to better infant health. Published NLM Review December 2020
Conclusion
Doulas play a vital role in enhancing the childbirth experience by providing comprehensive support that covers the emotional, physical, and informational needs of expectant people. Evidence-based research consistently demonstrates that doula care leads to improved outcomes for all family members, making their services a valuable asset in maternal healthcare.
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