Supporting a woman through a labour can be challenging.

It wasn't so long ago that partners were not even allowed in the birth room!

A great deal of pressure is placed on the birth partner these days to know what to do and advocate for the birthing woman. Having an experienced person such as a doula or private midwife has many benefits for the birthing woman and her partner. 

As experienced Doulas, we know having professional birth support makes a difference to the birthing couple and last year the Cochrane Review 2017 put out research that supported that view. The review covered the definition of support, types of support and some great statistics on outcomes and benefits.

They defined support as continuous support, as at minimum support during ‘active labour’ and often longer.

The type of support included:

• Emotional
• Comforting the birthing women
• Communicating Mothers wishes to caregivers

The review looks at 3 types of support:

• Doula
• Hospital Staff
• Personal association (friend or family member)

The results were that Doula support had the best outcomes.

Benefits:

• 39% less likely to have a caesarean
• 35% less likely to have a negative birth experience
• 15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth
• Reduction in the use of Syntocin
• Reduction in the use of medical pain relief
• More likely to have shorter labours
• Less likely to have an instrumental delivery

Information is taken from the Australian National Partnership for Women and Families - Cochrane Review 2017