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Benefits of Professional Labor Support
Women serving women in childbirth...
an idea dating back to ancient times. Labor assistants, or doulas, act as a complementary part of the birth team. They are not a replacement for dad or any other support person mom wishes to labor or birth with. Their role is to make sure the physical and emotional needs of both parents, as well as any other involved support people, are met to the best of their ability and act as an advocate for the birthing family. There are a lot of studies out there regarding the benefits of having professional labor support. Here are just a few:
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Immediate Benefits of Doula Support
Statistics show that women with doulas:
- are 50% less likely to receive a Cesarean Section.
- have 25% shorter labors.
- are 60% less likely to request an epidural.
- have 30% less usage of any pain-reduction medication.
- are 40% less likely to receive pitocin (artificial oxytocin used to induce or augment labor.)
- are 40% less likely to have a forceps delivery.
Mothering the Mother Klaus, Kennel & Klaus (1993)
Longer-Term Benefits of Doula Support
New studies indicate mothers with doulas present at birth:
- are 22% more likely to breastfeed exclusively at six weeks postpartum.
- are 47% less likely to have feeding problems at six weeks postpartum.
- have significantly less anxiety and depression and higher self-esteem at six weeks postpartum.
- have significantly higher perceptions of their baby and of themselves as mothers at six weeks postpartum.
The Doula Book Klaus, Kennel & Klaus (2002)
For more information regarding the benefits of constant professional labor support, including recent articles and study information, please visit Childbirth Connection.
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Because Birth is Sacred
protectbirth@gmail.com
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