According to numerous clinical studies, including the most recent 2017 Cochrane Review, having the support of a doula:

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• reduces the likelihood of cesarean sections
• increases satisfaction with the childbirth experience
• reduces the need for Pitocin (a labor-inducing drug – women are more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth)
• reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals
• reduces the use of forceps or vacuum extraction for delivery
• tends to result in better APGAR scores for baby

In addition, long-term benefits of labor support include:

• Improved breastfeeding
• Decreased postpartum depression
• Greater maternal satisfaction
• Better mother-infant interaction

You can read the full Cochrane Review here: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6/full

ACOG has also acknowledged the benefits of having the continuous support of a doula: “Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula. Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized.” (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery; American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, March 2014)

A doula is not to overtake the partner’s role but is there in addition to the partner as a member of the birth team.  The doula supports the partner and other members of the birth team such as the grandmother of the baby or close friend/relative that may be attending the birth.  The doula can help the birth team understand and navigate things that may arise during the labor that they aren’t familiar with or have concerns about – a doula can reassure them of the process and characteristics of birth and the laboring woman’s responses.  Having a doula can help take some of the pressure off of the partner because with a doula’s continuous presence the partner can eat & drink, use the restroom, nap, take a quick break, make phone-calls, etc. without leaving the laboring mother alone. Additionally, “for those partners that want to play an active support role the doula assists and guides them in effective ways to help their loved ones in labor.” (DONA Position Paper).  When the doula and partner are working together for the well-being of the laboring woman and the woman feels supported and respected by the members of her birth team, she is more likely to view her childbirth experience as a positive one – which will undoubtedly impact her for the rest of her life.

No. Doulas support a mom regardless of the type of birth she desires, whether it be natural and unmedicated, medicated, vaginal or cesarean. Moms that have epidurals can still greatly benefit from the support of a doula, as we will use our knowledge to assist in getting mom in different positions in the bed to help baby descend and labor progress, coach and guide during pushing, and provide immediate postpartum support. Additionally, we provide informational support which can help a woman make decisions regarding her care and for her birth; as well as continue to provide vital emotional support.

The doula’s role is not one of a medical sort and we do not give medical assessments, diagnose, prescribe, or perform clinical tasks. Instead, a doula provides help with comfort measures that may include breathing, providing counter pressure, application of hot/cold packs, comforting touch, hydrotherapy, visualization/relaxation, etc. Additionally, a doula can assist in navigating birth in a hospital setting, as well as promote informed decision making by helping to facilitate communication between the birthing parents and care providers.

It is not the doula’s job to make decisions for the mother, but to ensure that she is aware of the benefits, risks, and alternatives so that she may make an informed decision herself. Your doula will  promote informed decision making by helping to facilitate communication between the birthing parents and care providers.  As the DONA Standards of Practice outlines “clients and doulas must recognize that the advocacy role does not include the doula speaking instead of the client or making decisions for the client. The advocacy role is best described as support, information, and mediation or negotiation.” The doula’s goal is to help the woman have a safe and satisfying childbirth as she defines it.