Why work with a doula?

Birth doulas are non-medical professionals who nurture and empower you through pregnancy, labor, and immediate postpartum.

Unlike midwives or OBs, we don’t perform clinical tasks—we focus on providing emotional and physical support to you, information and educational resources, and support your partner (if you have one). Think of us a member of your birth team that fills a distinct role that’s different from your doctor or midwife, your nurses, and your partner.

There have been many studies about birth doulas’ effects on birthing people, their families, and birth outcomes. Take a look:

• More satisfied with the labor, birth, and postpartum experience.

• Shorter labors, less instrument-assisted birth, and better Apgar scores.

• Fewer birth complications.

• More likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth.

• Lower rates of cesarean birth.

• Less likely to use epidural/pain medication during labor.

• More likely to initiate breast/chestfeeding and earlier onset lactogenesis.

• Low income birthing people reported in one study that working with doulas strengthened their relationship with their partners and it had positive impacts on their emotional well-being.

• In a study of women with Medicaid who worked with doulas, there was a reduction in postpartum depression and anxiety by 57.5% and a reduction in cesarean births of 52.9%.

Continue here for sources and further reading.