Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor. A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present. With the support of a doula, women were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. Women also reported having a more positive childbirth experience.1

Other studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%.2

1. Childbirth Connection - www.childbirthconnection.org
2. Hodnett ED. Gates S Hofmeyr GJ. Sakala C. - Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. CD003766, (2003)