Why hire a Doula?
"If a Doula was a drug, it would be
unethical not to give it"
Klaus, Kennell
Having a baby is a wonderful - but costly - process. Some may ask is it really wise to add to this cost by employing a Doula? The simple answer is yes.
In research undertaken, it was discovered that having a Doula can:
* Shorten first-time labor by an average of two hours
* Decrease the chance of a cesarean section by 50%
* Decrease the need for pain medication
* Help fathers participate with confidence
* Increase success in breast-feeding
(Mothering the Mother, Klaus, Kennell, Klaus, 1993)
In a survey undertaken in 2004 by Doula UK, it was found that of the 74 Doulas taking part, 79% had attended hospital births and 21% had attended home births. For the hospital births:
* 10% ended in caesarean section (22% national average)
* 15% had received epidurals (33% national average)
* 7% had instrument assisted deliveries (11% national average)
* 8% opted for vaginal birth after caesarean
* 43% werefirst babies
* 22% were labours or birth in water
(National averages taken from NHS maternity statistics, England, 2002 - 2003, Department of Health)
In today's society where many pregnant women live away from the traditional support network of their own mothers and grandmothers, the Doula fills this role.