The presence of an understanding, sympathetic, caring person can have a profound effect on the labor outcome. In a controlled study conducted at a public hospital affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine, (Houston, TX) those women who had the support of a labor doula during their labors had Cesarean section rates of 8% as compared to 18%, the need for epidural anesthesia dropped from 55% to 8%, the length of labor was shorter by 2 hours, and only half as many newborns required prolonged hospitalization.
Five studies in Guatemala, Canada, the United States, and South Africa proved that the continuous presence of a labor doula reduced the need for C-sections, shortened labor time, and reduced prenatal problems. A meta-analysis of all five studies demonstrated the benefits of having a labor doula during childbirth. (It is estimated that maternity health care costs might be reduced y as much as $2 billion annually.)
The labor doula meets the expectant couple at their home weeks before their baby is born to get to know them and learn what their wishes are. Once labor begins, the doula comes to the home and stays with the laboring woman. She advises the best time to go to the birthing center or hospital and stays by her side throughout the entire labor and doesn’t leave until a few hours after the baby is born and the new mother’s vital signs are normal. Many doulas visit the new family once they return home.
In a randomized controlled trial in 1993 at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston, TX, 600 first time mothers were divided into three groups: a control group, an observed group to measure the effects of a passive observer, and a group actively supported by a labor doula. The group with the care of a doula had these results:
• C-section rates dropped 56%
• Epidural anesthesia use dropped 85%
• Forceps (instrumentation) delivery dropped 70%
• The use of pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) to speed up labor dropped 61%
• Duration of labor was shorter by 25%
• Neonatal hospitalization dropped 58%
As you can see, the constant nurturing support of a labor doula – who does not replace the partner – has quite a positive effect on the experience of childbirth for most women.
Once your baby is born and you are back home, you can employ the services of a postpartum doula for a few hours a day, a couple of days a week. These skilled professionals can help with any breastfeeding issues you might have (most are lactation consultants or have some training in this area), bathing the child, swaddling him, and any newborn issues you may have. In addition, the postpartum doula will do any chores and tasks you might need to free you to take care of yourself and your baby. She may shop for you, cook a meal or two, run some errands, clean around the house, answer the phone, etc. Anything to give you time to heal, rest, take care of your baby, and adjust to your new family life.
Having a doula in labor with you and immediately after your baby is born can be the difference between an easy or hard labor and adjustment period. They also are affordable. Apprentice doulas and those with modest experience are available at a fraction of the cost of an experienced professional. Some hospitals even have doula programs already in place at a very nominal cost. But the assistance they offer, regardless of their experience, is worth every penny.
For more information:
www.ALACE.org
www.CAPPA.org
www.DONA.org
www.ICEA.org
