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How beneficial is doula support?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
10 peer-reviewed research articles
2 professionally-backed sources
Doula Support: What the Evidence Shows
Doula support during pregnancy, labor, and birth is associated with a range of benefits for both birthing people and their babies. Research consistently finds that having a doula can improve birth experiences and outcomes, with particular advantages for those at higher risk for complications or who may lack other support.
Key Benefits of Doula Support
Evidence points to several measurable improvements with doula involvement
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Lower Cesarean Rates and Fewer Interventions: Studies show that people with doula support are less likely to have a cesarean birth and are less likely to need other interventions, such as epidurals or assisted vaginal deliveries.
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMCThe support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDecember 2022 ISSUE BRIEF 1 HP-2022-24 Doula Care and Maternal Health:Some of the supports that a doula may provide include: ... such as risk factors and warning signs that may need to be addressed and healthy choices to optimize · maternal and infant outcomes. They can also provide emotional support during stressful pregnancyRead full articleSource: aspe.hhs.govPotential benefits of increased access to doula support during childbirth - PMCThe annual costs of U.S. maternity-related hospitalizations exceed $27 billion. Continuous labor support from a trained doula is associated with improved outcomes and potential cost savings. This study aimed to document the relationship between ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralImpact of Doula Support During Pregnancy, Childbirth and Beyond (A Systematic Review) | PCORISupport from a doula during labor and childbirth has been associated with increased maternal engagement, higher patient satisfaction with care, lower rates of cesarean birth, fewer obstetric interventions, fewer complications during labor, less pain medication use, shorter labor hours, lower prevalence of poor five-minute Apgar scores and lower birth costs.6,10-12 However, maternal outcomes associated with doula support during the postpartum period have not been well studied, and the impact of the specific timing and length of doula support has also not been well established.Doula Care: A Review of Outcomes and Impact on Birth Experience - PubMedDoula-supported care is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes including decreased preterm birth, increased breastfeeding initiation, and higher patient satisfaction.Read full articleSource: PubMedDoula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching - eClinicalMedicineThe objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the integration of doulas with different types of clinical providers during labor and delivery to understand how different combinations of provision of care relate to maternal health outcomes; 2) assess when, over the care continuum (from the first trimester through childbirth), doulas provide the greatest benefit to maternal health; and 3) evaluate whether women gain differential benefits from doulas depending upon certain risk factors, including race/ethnicity and certain chronic conditions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using claims data from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD).Read full articleSource: The LancetDoula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching - PMCThrough stratification of analyses by race, we were able to determine that Black expectant mothers who received doula care enjoyed the same health benefits as White women who received doula care. Both groups of women showed lower odds of cesarean delivery and diagnoses of PPA/PPD relative to their non-doula counterparts. Our analyses by high-risk conditions indicate women who received doula care showed a 58% reduction in odds of cesarean delivery relative to women with pregnancy complications without doula care.Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralImpact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes - PMCThe doula focuses on individualized ... tasks besides direct labor support. Research indicates that the expectation of nurse support by expectant women may be far greater than what is actually provided (Tumblin & Simkin, 2001)....Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Support Improves Maternal and Child Health Outcomes, Patient and Family Engagement — The National Institute for Children’s Health QualityThe main job is to be in the home to support families with getting sleep, healing in the postpartum, self-care, family integration, and baby care. Postpartum doulas also help with safe sleep options.Read full articleSource: nichq.orgUnited States Doula Programs and Their Outcomes: A Scoping Review to Inform State-Level Policies - ScienceDirectWe conducted a scoping review across four academic databases and gray literature published between January 1, 2012, and March 10, 2022, to describe the landscape of literature on U.S. doula programs and their outcomes in order to inform state policy makers considering laws or programs related to doula care.Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.comDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Services and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PubMedFindings across eligible articles ... breastfeeding initiation, and emotional health. Discussion: Findings suggest having doula support can improve experiences and outcomes....Read full articleSource: PubMed
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Shorter Labor and Fewer Complications: Doula support is linked to shorter labors and fewer complications during birth.
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMCThe support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralImpact of Doula Support During Pregnancy, Childbirth and Beyond (A Systematic Review) | PCORISupport from a doula during labor and childbirth has been associated with increased maternal engagement, higher patient satisfaction with care, lower rates of cesarean birth, fewer obstetric interventions, fewer complications during labor, less pain medication use, shorter labor hours, lower prevalence of poor five-minute Apgar scores and lower birth costs.6,10-12 However, maternal outcomes associated with doula support during the postpartum period have not been well studied, and the impact of the specific timing and length of doula support has also not been well established.Doula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed Central
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Better Infant Outcomes: Babies born with doula support are less likely to have low Apgar scores (a measure of newborn health) and are less likely to be born preterm or with low birth weight.
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMCThe support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDecember 2022 ISSUE BRIEF 1 HP-2022-24 Doula Care and Maternal Health:Some of the supports that a doula may provide include: ... such as risk factors and warning signs that may need to be addressed and healthy choices to optimize · maternal and infant outcomes. They can also provide emotional support during stressful pregnancyRead full articleSource: aspe.hhs.govImpact of Doula Support During Pregnancy, Childbirth and Beyond (A Systematic Review) | PCORISupport from a doula during labor and childbirth has been associated with increased maternal engagement, higher patient satisfaction with care, lower rates of cesarean birth, fewer obstetric interventions, fewer complications during labor, less pain medication use, shorter labor hours, lower prevalence of poor five-minute Apgar scores and lower birth costs.6,10-12 However, maternal outcomes associated with doula support during the postpartum period have not been well studied, and the impact of the specific timing and length of doula support has also not been well established.Doula Care: A Review of Outcomes and Impact on Birth Experience - PubMedDoula-supported care is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes including decreased preterm birth, increased breastfeeding initiation, and higher patient satisfaction.Read full articleSource: PubMedDoula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching - eClinicalMedicineThe objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the integration of doulas with different types of clinical providers during labor and delivery to understand how different combinations of provision of care relate to maternal health outcomes; 2) assess when, over the care continuum (from the first trimester through childbirth), doulas provide the greatest benefit to maternal health; and 3) evaluate whether women gain differential benefits from doulas depending upon certain risk factors, including race/ethnicity and certain chronic conditions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using claims data from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD).Read full articleSource: The LancetImpact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes - PMCThe doula focuses on individualized ... tasks besides direct labor support. Research indicates that the expectation of nurse support by expectant women may be far greater than what is actually provided (Tumblin & Simkin, 2001)....Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralUnited States Doula Programs and Their Outcomes: A Scoping Review to Inform State-Level Policies - ScienceDirectWe conducted a scoping review across four academic databases and gray literature published between January 1, 2012, and March 10, 2022, to describe the landscape of literature on U.S. doula programs and their outcomes in order to inform state policy makers considering laws or programs related to doula care.Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.comDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed Central
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Higher Breastfeeding Rates: Doulas help improve breastfeeding initiation and continuation, especially among people who might otherwise face barriers.
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMCThe support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Care: A Review of Outcomes and Impact on Birth Experience - PubMedDoula-supported care is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes including decreased preterm birth, increased breastfeeding initiation, and higher patient satisfaction.Read full articleSource: PubMedImpact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes - PMCThe doula focuses on individualized ... tasks besides direct labor support. Research indicates that the expectation of nurse support by expectant women may be far greater than what is actually provided (Tumblin & Simkin, 2001)....Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed Central
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Improved Emotional Well-being and Satisfaction: People who have doula support report less anxiety and stress, greater satisfaction with their birth experience, and a stronger sense of empowerment and self-worth.
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMCThe support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralImpact of Doula Support During Pregnancy, Childbirth and Beyond (A Systematic Review) | PCORISupport from a doula during labor and childbirth has been associated with increased maternal engagement, higher patient satisfaction with care, lower rates of cesarean birth, fewer obstetric interventions, fewer complications during labor, less pain medication use, shorter labor hours, lower prevalence of poor five-minute Apgar scores and lower birth costs.6,10-12 However, maternal outcomes associated with doula support during the postpartum period have not been well studied, and the impact of the specific timing and length of doula support has also not been well established.Doula Care: A Review of Outcomes and Impact on Birth Experience - PubMedDoula-supported care is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes including decreased preterm birth, increased breastfeeding initiation, and higher patient satisfaction.Read full articleSource: PubMedDoula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching - PMCThrough stratification of analyses by race, we were able to determine that Black expectant mothers who received doula care enjoyed the same health benefits as White women who received doula care. Both groups of women showed lower odds of cesarean delivery and diagnoses of PPA/PPD relative to their non-doula counterparts. Our analyses by high-risk conditions indicate women who received doula care showed a 58% reduction in odds of cesarean delivery relative to women with pregnancy complications without doula care.Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralImpact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes - PMCThe doula focuses on individualized ... tasks besides direct labor support. Research indicates that the expectation of nurse support by expectant women may be far greater than what is actually provided (Tumblin & Simkin, 2001)....Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Services and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PubMedFindings across eligible articles ... breastfeeding initiation, and emotional health. Discussion: Findings suggest having doula support can improve experiences and outcomes....Read full articleSource: PubMed
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Potential Cost Savings: By reducing the need for interventions and complications, doula support may also lower healthcare costs, especially when cesarean rates are reduced.
Potential benefits of increased access to doula support during childbirth - PMCThe annual costs of U.S. maternity-related hospitalizations exceed $27 billion. Continuous labor support from a trained doula is associated with improved outcomes and potential cost savings. This study aimed to document the relationship between ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Support Improves Maternal and Child Health Outcomes, Patient and Family Engagement — The National Institute for Children’s Health QualityThe main job is to be in the home to support families with getting sleep, healing in the postpartum, self-care, family integration, and baby care. Postpartum doulas also help with safe sleep options.Read full articleSource: nichq.orgUnited States Doula Programs and Their Outcomes: A Scoping Review to Inform State-Level Policies - ScienceDirectWe conducted a scoping review across four academic databases and gray literature published between January 1, 2012, and March 10, 2022, to describe the landscape of literature on U.S. doula programs and their outcomes in order to inform state policy makers considering laws or programs related to doula care.Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.com
Who Benefits Most from Doula Support?
Support is valuable for everyone, but some groups see even greater impact
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People at Higher Risk: Those with higher risk for complications, including people of color, those with lower incomes, and those with less access to other support, may see the greatest improvements in outcomes with doula support.
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMCThe support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Care: A Review of Outcomes and Impact on Birth Experience - PubMedDoula-supported care is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes including decreased preterm birth, increased breastfeeding initiation, and higher patient satisfaction.Read full articleSource: PubMedDoula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching - eClinicalMedicineThe objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the integration of doulas with different types of clinical providers during labor and delivery to understand how different combinations of provision of care relate to maternal health outcomes; 2) assess when, over the care continuum (from the first trimester through childbirth), doulas provide the greatest benefit to maternal health; and 3) evaluate whether women gain differential benefits from doulas depending upon certain risk factors, including race/ethnicity and certain chronic conditions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using claims data from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD).Read full articleSource: The LancetDoula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching - PMCThrough stratification of analyses by race, we were able to determine that Black expectant mothers who received doula care enjoyed the same health benefits as White women who received doula care. Both groups of women showed lower odds of cesarean delivery and diagnoses of PPA/PPD relative to their non-doula counterparts. Our analyses by high-risk conditions indicate women who received doula care showed a 58% reduction in odds of cesarean delivery relative to women with pregnancy complications without doula care.Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralUnited States Doula Programs and Their Outcomes: A Scoping Review to Inform State-Level Policies - ScienceDirectWe conducted a scoping review across four academic databases and gray literature published between January 1, 2012, and March 10, 2022, to describe the landscape of literature on U.S. doula programs and their outcomes in order to inform state policy makers considering laws or programs related to doula care.Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.com
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First-Time Parents: Evidence suggests that first-time birthing people often benefit from the continuous guidance and reassurance a doula provides.
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMCThe support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed Central
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Those Seeking a Specific Birth Experience: Doulas can help advocate for your preferences and provide information to help you make informed decisions throughout the process.
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMCThe support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDecember 2022 ISSUE BRIEF 1 HP-2022-24 Doula Care and Maternal Health:Some of the supports that a doula may provide include: ... such as risk factors and warning signs that may need to be addressed and healthy choices to optimize · maternal and infant outcomes. They can also provide emotional support during stressful pregnancyRead full articleSource: aspe.hhs.govDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Services and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PubMedFindings across eligible articles ... breastfeeding initiation, and emotional health. Discussion: Findings suggest having doula support can improve experiences and outcomes....Read full articleSource: PubMed
How Doulas Work with the Medical Team
Doulas complement, not replace, clinical care
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Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support, but do not perform medical tasks or make clinical decisions.
December 2022 ISSUE BRIEF 1 HP-2022-24 Doula Care and Maternal Health:Some of the supports that a doula may provide include: ... such as risk factors and warning signs that may need to be addressed and healthy choices to optimize · maternal and infant outcomes. They can also provide emotional support during stressful pregnancyRead full articleSource: aspe.hhs.govDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Services and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PubMedFindings across eligible articles ... breastfeeding initiation, and emotional health. Discussion: Findings suggest having doula support can improve experiences and outcomes....Read full articleSource: PubMed
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They can help you communicate your preferences to your healthcare team and support you and your partner through the process.
December 2022 ISSUE BRIEF 1 HP-2022-24 Doula Care and Maternal Health:Some of the supports that a doula may provide include: ... such as risk factors and warning signs that may need to be addressed and healthy choices to optimize · maternal and infant outcomes. They can also provide emotional support during stressful pregnancyRead full articleSource: aspe.hhs.govDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Services and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PubMedFindings across eligible articles ... breastfeeding initiation, and emotional health. Discussion: Findings suggest having doula support can improve experiences and outcomes....Read full articleSource: PubMed
Considerations and Access
There are some barriers and things to keep in mind
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Access and Cost: Not everyone has access to doula services, often due to cost or lack of awareness. Some states and insurance plans are beginning to cover doula care, especially for those on Medicaid, but coverage is not universal.
December 2022 ISSUE BRIEF 1 HP-2022-24 Doula Care and Maternal Health:Some of the supports that a doula may provide include: ... such as risk factors and warning signs that may need to be addressed and healthy choices to optimize · maternal and infant outcomes. They can also provide emotional support during stressful pregnancyRead full articleSource: aspe.hhs.govPotential benefits of increased access to doula support during childbirth - PMCThe annual costs of U.S. maternity-related hospitalizations exceed $27 billion. Continuous labor support from a trained doula is associated with improved outcomes and potential cost savings. This study aimed to document the relationship between ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Support Improves Maternal and Child Health Outcomes, Patient and Family Engagement — The National Institute for Children’s Health QualityThe main job is to be in the home to support families with getting sleep, healing in the postpartum, self-care, family integration, and baby care. Postpartum doulas also help with safe sleep options.Read full articleSource: nichq.orgUnited States Doula Programs and Their Outcomes: A Scoping Review to Inform State-Level Policies - ScienceDirectWe conducted a scoping review across four academic databases and gray literature published between January 1, 2012, and March 10, 2022, to describe the landscape of literature on U.S. doula programs and their outcomes in order to inform state policy makers considering laws or programs related to doula care.Read full articleSource: sciencedirect.comDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed Central
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Cultural Fit: Finding a doula whose approach and background align with your needs and values can enhance the benefits you receive.
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMCThe support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDecember 2022 ISSUE BRIEF 1 HP-2022-24 Doula Care and Maternal Health:Some of the supports that a doula may provide include: ... such as risk factors and warning signs that may need to be addressed and healthy choices to optimize · maternal and infant outcomes. They can also provide emotional support during stressful pregnancyRead full articleSource: aspe.hhs.govDoula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMCUnlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralDoula Services and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PubMedFindings across eligible articles ... breastfeeding initiation, and emotional health. Discussion: Findings suggest having doula support can improve experiences and outcomes....Read full articleSource: PubMed
What This Means for You
Doula support offers measurable benefits for birth outcomes and satisfaction
The evidence suggests that doula support can make a meaningful difference in both the experience and outcomes of pregnancy and birth. These benefits are seen across a wide range of people and settings, and may be especially significant for those who face additional challenges or risks. If you are considering doula support, you might want to explore options in your area, ask about coverage, and meet with potential doulas to find someone who feels like the right fit for you and your birth plan.
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Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
1
The Effect of Doulas on Maternal and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PMC
The support and benefits that doulas provide women during pregnancy and childbirth have been associated with a positive impact on women’s emotional well-being and overall satisfaction. Access to the services a doula can provide is sometimes limited to women due to extrinsic factors, such ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
3
Potential benefits of increased access to doula support during childbirth - PMC
The annual costs of U.S. maternity-related hospitalizations exceed $27 billion. Continuous labor support from a trained doula is associated with improved outcomes and potential cost savings. This study aimed to document the relationship between ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
4
Impact of Doula Support During Pregnancy, Childbirth and Beyond (A Systematic Review) | PCORI
Support from a doula during labor and childbirth has been associated with increased maternal engagement, higher patient satisfaction with care, lower rates of cesarean birth, fewer obstetric interventions, fewer complications during labor, less pain medication use, shorter labor hours, lower prevalence of poor five-minute Apgar scores and lower birth costs.6,10-12 However, maternal outcomes associated with doula support during the postpartum period have not been well studied, and the impact of the specific timing and length of doula support has also not been well established.
5
Doula Care: A Review of Outcomes and Impact on Birth Experience - PubMed
Doula-supported care is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes including decreased preterm birth, increased breastfeeding initiation, and higher patient satisfaction.
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
6
Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching - eClinicalMedicine
The objectives of this study were to: 1) evaluate the integration of doulas with different types of clinical providers during labor and delivery to understand how different combinations of provision of care relate to maternal health outcomes; 2) assess when, over the care continuum (from the first trimester through childbirth), doulas provide the greatest benefit to maternal health; and 3) evaluate whether women gain differential benefits from doulas depending upon certain risk factors, including race/ethnicity and certain chronic conditions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using claims data from the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD).
Read full article
Source:
The Lancet
7
Doula care across the maternity care continuum and impact on maternal health: Evaluation of doula programs across three states using propensity score matching - PMC
Through stratification of analyses by race, we were able to determine that Black expectant mothers who received doula care enjoyed the same health benefits as White women who received doula care. Both groups of women showed lower odds of cesarean delivery and diagnoses of PPA/PPD relative to their non-doula counterparts. Our analyses by high-risk conditions indicate women who received doula care showed a 58% reduction in odds of cesarean delivery relative to women with pregnancy complications without doula care.
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
8
Impact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes - PMC
The doula focuses on individualized ... tasks besides direct labor support. Research indicates that the expectation of nurse support by expectant women may be far greater than what is actually provided (Tumblin & Simkin, 2001)....
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
10
United States Doula Programs and Their Outcomes: A Scoping Review to Inform State-Level Policies - ScienceDirect
We conducted a scoping review across four academic databases and gray literature published between January 1, 2012, and March 10, 2022, to describe the landscape of literature on U.S. doula programs and their outcomes in order to inform state policy makers considering laws or programs related to doula care.
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
11
Doula Care, Birth Outcomes, and Costs Among Medicaid Beneficiaries - PMC
Unlike physicians, midwives, and ... support to the mother before, during and just after birth.”27 Randomized controlled trials provide strong evidence for the clinical benefits of continuous labor support.28,29 A recent Cochrane systematic review...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
12
Doula Services and Birth Outcomes: A Scoping Review - PubMed
Findings across eligible articles ... breastfeeding initiation, and emotional health. Discussion: Findings suggest having doula support can improve experiences and outcomes....
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
Doula Services Within a Healthy Start Program: Increasing Access for an Underserved Population - PMC
Keywords: Doula support, Health ... rates of cesarean section and preterm birth, higher rates of breastfeeding initiation, and increased satisfaction with the birth experience....
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
Comparison of maternal outcomes in caring by Doula, trained lay companion and routine midwifery care | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Full Text
Maternal satisfaction includes ... to the present study, in some studies, the presence of doula as a lay companion increases maternal satisfaction with the experience of childbirth [14, 28, 50, 51]. Providing continuous doula ...
Read full article
Source:
BioMed Central
Study protocol: a mixed-methods study of the implementation of doula care to address racial health equity in six state Medicaid programs | Health Research Policy and Systems | Full Text
A recent Cochrane systematic review of 26 trials in 17 countries found that doula support led to a 25% reduced risk of Caesarean-section delivery, and a 30% reduced risk of individuals reporting negative ...
Role of Doulas in Improving Maternal Health and Health Equity Among Medicaid Enrollees, 2014‒2023 | AJPH | Vol. 114 Issue 11
Previous research, for example, indicates lower odds of a postpartum depression or anxiety diagnosis when doula care is utilized during labor and delivery, specifically.8 As doula programs mature in currently covered states and legislation enabling Medicaid coverage of doulas expands to new states, a more nuanced analysis of the timing of doula utilization and the relationship with maternal outcomes using medical claims data may be more feasible.
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
2
December 2022 ISSUE BRIEF 1 HP-2022-24 Doula Care and Maternal Health:
Some of the supports that a doula may provide include: ... such as risk factors and warning signs that may need to be addressed and healthy choices to optimize · maternal and infant outcomes. They can also provide emotional support during stressful pregnancy
Read full article
Source:
aspe.hhs.gov
9
Doula Support Improves Maternal and Child Health Outcomes, Patient and Family Engagement — The National Institute for Children’s Health Quality
The main job is to be in the home to support families with getting sleep, healing in the postpartum, self-care, family integration, and baby care. Postpartum doulas also help with safe sleep options.
Read full article
Source:
nichq.org
I’m an Ob-Gyn. Here’s Why I Had a Doula Help With My Delivery. | ACOG
She even brought aromatherapy and massaged my feet, which was wonderful. Fewer interventions: Studies have shown that doulas can decrease the need for assisted vaginal delivery and lower the likelihood of cesarean birth.
Doulas and Midwives Are Key Partners in Improving Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes - NASHP
Recognizing doula services can lead to improved birth outcomes and reduced costs. Studies from Minnesota, Oregon, and Wisconsin show Medicaid reimbursement for doula services has the potential to save costs. Research indicates doula support can lead to Medicaid savings when reimbursed at an average of $986 per birth...
Read full article
Source:
nashp.org
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
What does a birth doula do? - Harvard Health
Among low-income women, doula support was shown to improve breastfeeding success. "It's impressive," Richey says. "I think those improved outcomes are due to having an expert in the labor process who isn't a medical person but is just there for you from moment to moment." Agreements about care vary. Typically, doulas meet with women every few months through their pregnancy to discuss their goals for birth (such as skipping pain medication, for example), and to build rapport with both the expectant person and their spouse or partner.
Read full article
Source:
Harvard Health
What Is a Doula? When To Use One & What To Expect
Provide emotional support during labor. Doulas coach and encourage you during labor. They also provide a calming influence for you and your partner. Advocate for your birthing preferences.
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Source:
Cleveland Clinic