You may decide that you would like a doula simply to ensure that you have continuous support during your labour and birth from somebody who understands your wishes and who can advocate on your behalf if necessary.

‘…for many reasons special to our time, many women cannot rely on their own mother and the father of the baby cannot also be a mother figure. That is why they need a doula.’ Michel Odent

Research has shown that having a doula supporting you during birth can lead to:

• 25% shorter labour
• 50% reduction in a caesarean
• 60% reduction in epidural request
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery

(Klaus, Kendell & Klaus 1993 Mothering the Mother).

Six weeks after the birth, mother who had doulas were:

• Less anxious and depressed
• Had more confidence with baby
• More satisfied with partner (71%vs 30%)
• More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 9%)

(Statistics taken from ‘A Doula makes the Difference’ by Nugent in Mothering Magazine March-April 1998)