Why More Families Are Choosing Doulas (And What the Evidence Shows)

Doulas may feel like a newer trend in the birth world, but continuous support during labor is far from new. For centuries, women have supported other women through childbirth with encouragement, reassurance, and hands-on care.

And while many families choose doulas for emotional support, there is also a growing body of research showing that doula care can positively influence birth outcomes.(Bohren et al., 2017; Evidence Based Birth, 2023).

One of the most well-known analyses comes from a large review of 26 studies involving more than 15,000 people giving birth. Researchers found that continuous labor support was associated with several positive outcomes. People who had this kind of support were more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births and less likely to have cesarean births or assisted deliveries with forceps or vacuum. Labors were also slightly shorter on average. (Bohren et al., 2017).

The research also shows that doula support can reduce the use of certain medical interventions. People with continuous labor support were less likely to use pain medication and more likely to report feeling positive about their birth experiences. Babies were also less likely to have low Apgar scores at birth, which is one way providers quickly assess a newborn’s health immediately after delivery. (Bohren et al., 2017; Evidence Based Birth, 2023).

Another important finding is how supported families feel when a doula is present. Studies show that people who receive continuous support during labor report higher satisfaction with their births. This may be because doulas focus on emotional encouragement, hands-on comfort measures, and helping families understand their options while medical providers focus on clinical care. (Evidence Based Birth, 2023).

Research also suggests that the benefits of doula care may extend beyond birth itself. Some studies have linked doula support with higher breastfeeding rates, fewer preterm births, and stronger postpartum follow-up. While every birth experience is unique, the evidence consistently shows that steady, compassionate support can have a meaningful impact. (Evidence Based Birth, 2023).

Doulas do not replace doctors, midwives, or nurses. Instead, they complement the medical team by focusing on continuous support for the women and their partner. When families feel informed, supported, and cared for throughout labor, it can lead to both better experiences and better outcomes.

You can read my clients’ first hand experiences with my support here.

References:

Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Evidence Based Birth. (2023). The Evidence for Doulas.