Why Doula Support?
Evidence-based insights into the transformative power of continuous support
Birth is one of the most profound experiences in a woman's life. Yet in our modern medical system, many women feel disconnected, unsupported, and unprepared for the intensity of labour and the transformative journey into motherhood. This is where doula support becomes not just beneficial, but essential.
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman before, during, and after childbirth. Unlike medical staff who rotate shifts, a doula remains by your side throughout your entire labour, offering unwavering presence and advocacy.
The Evidence is Clear
Research consistently demonstrates that continuous labour support from a doula leads to significantly better outcomes for both mother and baby. A landmark Cochrane Review analysing 26 trials involving over 15,000 women found that those who received continuous support were:
- More likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to require caesarean sections or instrumental deliveries (Bohren et al., 2017)
- Less likely to use pain medication, including epidurals (Bohren et al., 2017)
- More satisfied with their birth experience, regardless of the outcome (Bohren et al., 2017)
- Had shorter labours by an average of 41 minutes (Bohren et al., 2017)
"Women who received continuous labour support were 25% less likely to have a caesarean birth and 8% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth." (Bohren et al., 2017, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)
Beyond Birth: The Full Spectrum of Support
While birth doula support is well-known, full spectrum doula care extends far beyond labour and delivery. This holistic approach recognises that women need support through all reproductive experiences, including:
- Postpartum care – The fourth trimester is a vulnerable time when women face physical recovery, hormonal shifts, feeding challenges, and identity transformation. Postpartum doulas provide practical support, emotional reassurance, and evidence-based information during this critical period. (Gilliland, 2011)
- Loss and grief support – Whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination for medical reasons, pregnancy loss is a profound trauma that deserves compassionate, informed support. Loss doulas help women navigate their grief, honour their babies, and find healing. (Kobler et al., 2007)
- End of life doula care – Drawing on the same principles of presence, comfort, and advocacy, end of life doulas support individuals and families through the dying process with dignity and compassion.
The Emotional and Psychological Impact
Beyond the physical outcomes, doula support has profound effects on a woman's emotional wellbeing. Studies show that women who have doula support experience:
- Reduced rates of postpartum depression and anxiety (Gruber et al., 2013)
- Increased confidence in their ability to birth and mother (Kozhimannil et al., 2013)
- Greater satisfaction with their birth experience, even when outcomes differ from their birth plan (Hodnett et al., 2013)
- Stronger bonding with their babies and more successful breastfeeding initiation (Kozhimannil et al., 2016)
"The presence of a doula is associated with improved psychological outcomes, including reduced anxiety and increased feelings of control during labour." (Hodnett et al., 2013, Birth)
What Makes Doula Support Different?
While partners, family members, and medical staff all play important roles, doulas offer something unique:
- Continuous presence – Unlike hospital staff who change shifts, your doula stays with you throughout your entire labour
- Non-medical support – Doulas complement medical care by focusing on comfort, coping, and emotional support
- Evidence-based information – Doulas help you understand your options and make informed decisions aligned with your values
- Partner support – Doulas don't replace partners; they enhance their ability to support you by offering guidance and reassurance
- Advocacy – Doulas help ensure your voice is heard and your preferences are respected within the medical system
The Cost-Effectiveness of Doula Care
Beyond the immeasurable value of improved experiences and outcomes, doula support is also economically beneficial. Research shows that doula care can reduce healthcare costs by decreasing the need for medical interventions, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications.
A study in the United States found that if doula support were provided to all women giving birth, it could save the healthcare system approximately $929 million annually through reduced caesarean rates alone. (Kozhimannil et al., 2016)
Honouring the Sacred Journey
Birth is not just a medical event – it's a rite of passage, a spiritual transformation, and one of the most powerful experiences of a woman's life. In our rush to medicalise and manage birth, we've often forgotten its sacred nature.
Doulas help restore this reverence. Through ceremony, ritual, and deep presence, we honour the magnitude of what women are doing. We witness their strength, hold space for their vulnerability, and celebrate their power.
This is why photography and film offerings are so valuable – they capture these fleeting, precious moments, creating lasting memories of one of life's most significant transitions.
Full Spectrum Doula Services
- Birth Support
- Postpartum Care
- Loss & Grief Support
- End of Life Care
- Ceremony & Ritual
- Photography & Film
Serving Albury-Wodonga & Online
Your Birth, Your Way
Every woman deserves to feel supported, informed, and empowered throughout her reproductive journey. Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or caesarean; whether this is your first baby or your fifth; whether you're navigating loss or celebrating new life – doula support can make a profound difference.
The evidence is clear, the benefits are substantial, and the experience is transformative. Doula support isn't a luxury – it's an investment in your wellbeing, your baby's health, and your family's future.
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, 7(7), CD003766.
Gilliland, A. L. (2011). After praise and encouragement: Emotional support strategies used by birth doulas in the USA and Canada. Midwifery, 27(4), 525-531.
Gruber, K. J., Cupito, S. H., & Dobson, C. F. (2013). Impact of doulas on healthy birth outcomes. Journal of Perinatal Education, 22(1), 49-58.
Hodnett, E. D., Gates, S., Hofmeyr, G. J., & Sakala, C. (2013). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Birth, 40(2), 87-92.
Kobler, K., Limbo, R., & Kavanaugh, K. (2007). Meaningful moments: The use of ritual in perinatal and pediatric death. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing, 32(5), 288-295.
Kozhimannil, K. B., Attanasio, L. B., Hardeman, R. R., & O'Brien, M. (2013). Doula care supports near-universal breastfeeding initiation among diverse, low-income women. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 58(4), 378-382.
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), 569-575.