Coastal Bend Birth Connection, Inc. Labor Support, Birth and Postpartum Services Darla Cassel, C.L.D., Doula/Childbirth Assistant                       Phone: 361-994-6386 E-mail: ibreastfeedinfo@gmail.com

Women Find Doulas Helpful.

Women who had doulas present during labor had significantly less epidural use and were more likely to rate the birth experience as positive than women who did not, according to a study in the March issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Doulas provide praise, reassurance, comfort, and companionship to women in labor. Researchers in Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program in Northern California followed 314 randomly selected patients aged 18 years and older between May 1994 and December 1996. Of these patients, 149 had doulas and 145 did not. Women were randomly assigned to either the doula group or the usual-care group. Women assigned to the usual-care group received no special treatment. Telephone interviews were conducted with the women 4-6 weeks postpartum. Of the women with doulas 54% had an epidural compared to 66% of those in the usual-care group.
 

Regarding their perceptions of the birth experience, a greater percentage of the doula group had a more positive view:

• 82% rated the experience as positive compared to only 67% of the usual-care group.

• Nearly 47% felt they coped very well compared to 25% of the usual-care group.

• 58% felt labor had a very positive effect on their feelings as women compared to 44% of the usual-care group. 

• 58% felt labor had a very positive effect on their perception of their bodies' strength and performance compared to 41% of the usual-care group.

The study found no significant difference in rates of cesarean, vaginal forceps or vacuum delivery, oxytocin use, and postpartum depression. During the follow-up interview, 96% of those who had doulas and 66% of those in the usual-care group were interested in having a doula for their next birth.