Getting continuous support during labor and childbirth from a doula, helps birthing moms the most, suggests a newly updated research review in the Cochrane Library – a publication of the Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization, which evaluates medical research.
The research review examines the effects of continuous, one-to-one support during labor and childbirth to reveal that women getting help during labor and childbirth from nurses, midwifes, husbands, partners, friends, relatives or doulas usually have a spontaneous vaginal birth. They also have a shorter labor and childbirth is more joyous. Additionally, their babies have lower five-minute Apgar Scores.
The findings confirm the teachings of Lamaze educators that speak of continuous support from a loved one, friend or doula to help women feel more comfortable and facilitate progressive labor, says Marilyn Curl, President of Lamaze International. The research review suggests that of all the assistance women can get, help sought from doulas, trained in how to offer physical comfort and emotional support to women during labor and childbirth, is most beneficial.