Benifits of a Doula

Several research studies have proven the benefits of having a doula attend birth, and include the following statistics:

50% reduction in the need for cesarean section
25% reduction in length of labor
40% reduction in the use of oxytocin
30% reduction in the use of pain medication
40% reduction in the use of instrumental delivery
60% reduction in requests for epidurals

In follow-up studies 6 weeks after birth, mothers who had doulas were found to be:
· More confident with baby care
· More satisfied with partner (71% versus 30% without a doula)
· More likely to be breastfeeding (52% versus 29% without a doula)
· Better maternal interaction
· Less postpartum depression, anxiety and greater self-esteem
· Higher maternal assessments of their baby Greater satisfaction with the birth experience

From one mother to another

Giving birth is a very personal time that requires many personal choices. The choice to use a doula is one that I will never regret. After a bad birthing experience with my first child I decided that giving birth naturally was something I needed to do, for me and my child.

Heather was with me for 14 of the 22 hours that I labored and was even there as I welcomed my second child. The support that she offered me was priceless. She was able to suggest positions to try and to calmly talk me through each step. She stayed calm and focused the whole time. One thing that made Heather so professional is that she never overstepped her boundaries with my husband or the nurses. She maintained a professional attitude and helped the situation stay peaceful for me.

Her care did not stop after the birth. The bond that we developed is priceless, as is the bond between her and my child. After the birth she would kindly check in to see how that baby and I were doing.

The trust that I placed in Heather, both to coach me through birth and to share such an intimate time in my life is something I will never regret. I am so thankful for the gift that she has and that she is willing to share it with others. She truly helped "guide me to a better birth."