Facts & Figures: Statistics on How Doulas Make All the Difference

Ever wonder why doulas have been around for centuries? Wonder no more!

Originally a Greek word, the role has been an integral part of cultures all around the world. In a country where many mothers find themselves leaving the hospital within 48 hours, with little or no support at home, the doula plays an even more important role than ever before.

Just look at these statistics* showing the wonderful effects having continuous labor support can provide:

• 25% average decrease in the risk of Cesarean, with the largest effect seen with specifically a doula, at a whopping 39% decrease!
• 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth, again with the largest effect seen with a doula, at a 15% increase
• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average
• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score
• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience when there was continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), rather than only hospital staff

Statistics too dry for your taste? Check out my other article on why having the right social support offers amazing mental and physical benefits that last long after you give birth. 

If you have questions on how I can support you through your journey, contact me today!

If you’re local to the San Diego area, join us for one of our monthly meet ups where you can connect with other pregnant people IRL and maybe even meet your new “birth bestie”! 

Check out the event calendar here.

*References

Continuous support for women during childbirth.

Bohren MA, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Fukuzawa RK, Cuthbert A.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Jul 6;7(7):CD003766. Doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6. PMID: 28681500 From
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28681500/ 

Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN. Rev. 2019 May 4; 

Originally published on 2013 March 27. “Evidence on: Doulas” From

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/