Mothers who have a doula present rate the birth as less difficult and less painful than women not supported by a Doula.

Scott, Klauss and Klaus: Journal of Women's Health, December 1999

 

2008 Survey Results:

© Goedkoop V. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 19, no 2, June 2009, pp 217-218

Out of 735 births
• Primiparous women (first time mums) 48%
• Natural births (with no induction, medicated pain relief, augmentation and instrumental deliveries) 45%
• Ceasarean section 15% (versus 24.3% nationally)
• Epidurals 20% (versus over 30% nationally)
• Inductions 10% (versus 20% nationally)
• Vaginal birth after a caesarean section success rate 70%
• Labour in a pool 23%
• Successful home births (no transfer) 19%
• Breastfed at birth 86% (versus 76% nationally)
• Doula was single birth partner 11%

The survey also included data from postnatal doulas:
• 88% of women who had a postnatal doula were still breastfeeding at 6 weeks and 67% were still breastfeeding at 6 months (This compares with 21% at six weeks and 7% at three months according to the Infant Feeding Survey of 2005 (Bolling et al 2007).)

 

Useful links 

Doula UK An association of doulas run by doulas for doulas. Includes geographical listings of all members, recognised training courses and extensive research and articles.

Birth Choice UK Where you choose to have your baby and whom you choose to look after you in labour will affect the type of birth you have and the care you receive. Includes maternity statistics for UK hospitals.

With Woman A site by two UK midwives offering articles on birth and midwifery as well as birth art. The articles often present an alternative view on accepted practices.

Home Birth Reference Lots of information and research on home birth in the UK. Lots to interest those planning a hospital birth, too.

Sheila Kitzinger Explore aspects of birth that Sheila has learnt from women around the world.

Association of Radical Midwives Committed to improve maternity care within the NHS. Also has an internet group open to all.

AIMS Association for Improvement in the Maternity Servies can help if you experience problems having your wishes met.

Birthworks Includes Michel Odent's Primal Health Research Database.

National Childbirth Trust Offers support in pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

The VBAC Pages Initially written for women considering home VBAC, also relevant to those planning hospital birth.

VBAC Positive and inspiring vaginal birth after caesarean birth stories and links to useful information.

Caesarean Birth and VBAC Information Research-based information and support on all aspects of caesareans and VBAC.

Breech Presentation: Caesarean Operation Versus Normal Birth Article by Gina Lowdon 

Keep Your Hands Off The Breech Article by Mary Cronk

Waterbirth Provides in-depth information on the use of water for labour, childbirth and early childbirth development.

Breastfeeding.com  Help and information on breastfeeding. Detailed information, book reviews, humor, a directory of lactation consultants, videos and more.

La Leche League Helping mothers to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education.
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The Breastfeeding Network Providing breastfeeding support and information.

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Providing breastfeeding support by mothers for mothers.

Smilechild Organic, ethical and sustainable shopping for mother and baby, including natural parenting advice and an online parenting community.
www.precioustimedoula.com Rebecca Hills, Doula in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

www.exercise4you.co.uk  Faye Cooke, Antenatal and Postnatal excercise.

www.davidheadfurniture.com Handmade Kitchens, Bespoke furniture, fitted bedrooms in Buckinghamshire. bedfordshire , hertfordshire and Milton Keynes