The Calgary Doula Association

Why Hire a Doula? 

 

Current research has shown us that using a professional birth doula during labour provides the following benefits:

For the Labour: 

Reduction in the length of labour by 25%
Fewer complications
Reduction in caesarean birth rates by 45%
Reduction in oxytocin use by 50%
Reduction in forceps use by 34%
Reduction in epidural requests by 10% - 60%
Reduction in analgesia use by 31% 


Referenced from: Klaus et.al, (2002)
The Doula Book, Da Capo Press

For the Mother: 

Greater satisfaction with their birth experience
More positive assessments of their babies
Less postpartum depression 

For the Family: 

Shorter hospital stays
Fewer admissions to special care nurseries
Babies breastfeed more easily
Mothers are more affectionate




*For further information, please see DONA