Why do I need a Doula?

I would have never wanted to give birth without my husband present in the room with me. But that being said, I’ve read some interesting studies that talk about having other support people there also.

So to the question that women ask, “why would I need to bring anyone else to the birth if I’m bringing the baby’s father”? Here is just one study:

“after studying more than 500 cases, it was found that women who only had their mate in the delivery room had a 22% cesarean rate. Those who added a doula to the mix had a 14% cesarean rate.”

This study is completely separate from multiple studies that highlights how having a Doula could reduce the incident of a cesarean and have a quicker labor.

“15 published studies have shown that if you have a Doula, your incident of a cesarean is reduced 26% and if you have a Doula the birth is 25% quicker.”

I know that there is power in women coming together and supporting each other, and it’s nice to see that the studies show that it’s beneficial. My last question would be how do we help women form these bonds where they feel safe and comfortable around a Doula or a group of women who are there to support them?

We have some work to do and I want to be part of the solution.

Studies cited in “Birth-the surprising history of how we are born”