The Evidence-Based Benefits of Doula Support
- The Regal Quill
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most transformative experiences filled with anticipation, joy, and big emotions. As beautiful as birth can be, it also comes with uncertainty and challenges that can feel overwhelming for many families.
That’s where doulas come in.
Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. While the concept of doulas may feel “new” to some families, the role is deeply rooted in traditional, community-based birth support practices across cultures. And today, research shows that having a doula is more than comforting, it can significantly improve birth outcomes.
Doulas Improve Birth Outcomes
A landmark Cochrane review by Bohren et al. (2017) analyzed data from more than 15,000 birthing people and found that continuous support during labor, especially from a doula, leads to better outcomes, including:
Lower rates of cesarean birth
Reduced use of pain medications
Shorter labors
Higher APGAR scores for babies
Increased likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
Continuous doula care also contributes to a more positive birth experience, with families reporting feeling safer, more informed, and more respected during labor (Bohren et al., 2017).
Emotional & Informational Support Matters
Birth isn’t just a physical event, it’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal. Doulas provide consistent presence, helping families:
Navigate fears and unknowns
Understand what’s happening during labor
Communicate effectively with their care team
Make informed decisions that align with their values
This support reduces anxiety and increases confidence, both of which are strongly linked to better birth experiences (Gruber et al., 2013).
Doulas Promote Equity & Respectful Care
Research also shows doulas play an especially powerful role in addressing maternal health disparities.
Black birthing people in the U.S. are 3–4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to White counterparts (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Studies show that culturally concordant doula care can improve trust, advocacy, and respectful treatment in healthcare settings, helping to reduce barriers to equitable care (Kozhimannil et al., 2016).
Support That Lasts Beyond Birth
Doula support doesn’t end once the baby arrives. Many doulas offer postpartum care, helping families with:
Infant feeding and lactation education
Emotional recovery and mental health screening
Newborn care guidance
Building confidence in the early weeks
This continuity of care creates a smoother transition into parenthood and reduces the risk of postpartum depression (Gruber et al., 2013).
Final Thoughts
Choosing to invite a doula into your birth journey is a powerful investment in your family’s well-being. The evidence is clear: having a doula by your side can improve health outcomes, increase satisfaction, and make birth a more empowered and positive experience.
References
Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(7), CD003766. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Racial disparities in maternal mortality in the United States. https://www.cdc.gov/maternal-mortality
Gruber, K. J., Cupito, S. H., & Dobson, C. F. (2013). Impact of doulas on healthy birth outcomes. The Journal of Perinatal Education, 22(1), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.1891/1058-1243.22.1.49
Kozhimannil, K. B., Hardeman, R. R., Attanasio, L. B., Blauer-Peterson, C., & O’Brien, M. (2016). Doula care, birth outcomes, and costs among Medicaid beneficiaries. American Journal of Public Health, 106(4), 698–704. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2015.303546
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Doulas are not medical professionals and do not provide clinical care. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your wellness or prenatal routine.
From my cradle to yours,
The Regal Quill
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