Research & Facts About Doula Care
The benefits of having a doula aren't just anecdotal—they're backed by substantial research published in international medical journals. Here's what the evidence shows.
The UK Doula Survey
MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, June 2009
In 2008, Nurturing Birth conducted a comprehensive survey of doulas working across the UK. This landmark study gathered data from 165 doulas covering 735 births supported throughout 2008. The results were published in the respected MIDIRS Midwifery Digest in June 2009.
Key Findings from Doula-Supported Births
Birth Outcomes
- 48% of births were for first-time mothers (primiparous women)
- 45% were natural births with no induction, medicated pain relief, augmentation, or instrumental deliveries
- 15% caesarean section rate (compared to 24.3% nationally)
- 20% epidural rate (compared to over 30% nationally)
- 10% induction rate (compared to 20% nationally)
- 70% VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) success rate
- 23% laboured in water (pool births)
- 19% successful home births without transfer
- 11% had the doula as their sole birth partner
Breastfeeding Success
- 86% of mothers were breastfeeding at birth (compared to 76% nationally)
Postnatal Doula Impact on Breastfeeding
The survey also measured breastfeeding rates among families who used postnatal doula services:
- 88% still breastfeeding at 6 weeks
- 67% still breastfeeding at 6 months
Compare this to the 2005 Infant Feeding Survey national averages:
- 21% breastfeeding at 6 weeks nationally
- 7% breastfeeding at 3 months nationally
This represents a dramatic improvement in breastfeeding continuation when postnatal doula support is available.
Source: Goedkoop V. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 19, no 2, June 2009, pp 217-218
What Do Parents Think?
In a survey carried out by Doula UK (the non-profit UK Doula Association), 100% of mothers and fathers surveyed said they would hire a birth doula again.
This unanimous satisfaction rating speaks powerfully to the value that families place on doula support.
What Do These Statistics Mean?
The research demonstrates that doula-supported births consistently have:
- Lower intervention rates - Less need for caesareans, epidurals, and inductions
- Higher satisfaction - Parents overwhelmingly value the support
- Better breastfeeding outcomes - Both initiation and continuation rates improve dramatically
- More natural births - Higher percentage of births without medical intervention
- Successful VBACs - 70% success rate for vaginal birth after previous caesarean
Why Does Doula Support Make Such a Difference?
Continuous support during labour has several evidence-based benefits:
Physical Benefits
- Comfort measures reduce pain perception
- Proper positioning facilitates labour progress
- Continuous presence reduces stress hormones
- Relaxation techniques promote effective contractions
Emotional Benefits
- Reduced anxiety and fear
- Increased confidence in ability to give birth
- Better communication with medical staff
- Feeling cared for and nurtured
Informational Benefits
- Understanding of labour progress
- Knowledge of options at each stage
- Evidence-based information for decision-making
- Advocacy for informed choices
The History of Birth Support
While a formal doula movement was established in the UK in 2001, supportive women have always been present at births throughout human history. What we call "doula care" today is actually a return to traditional, continuous birth support that was once universal.
The difference now is that doula support is:
- Formalized with professional training
- Evidence-based and research-supported
- Recognized by healthcare organizations
- Accessible to all families through various funding options
Want to Experience These Benefits?
The statistics speak for themselves, but every birth is unique. If you're interested in having continuous, personalized support for your birth, I'd love to discuss how doula care might benefit your family.