|
Answer
The following are Combined Results of 6 Randomized Controlled Trials on
Labor Support*
|
Obstetrical
Outcome
|
Doula
Effect
|
|
Cesarean
Section
|
Reduced
50%
|
|
Length of
Labor
|
Reduced
25%
|
|
Oxytocin
(Pitocin) Use
|
Reduced
40%
|
|
Pain Medications
(narcotics)
|
Reduced
30%
|
|
Forceps
|
Reduced
30%
|
|
Epidurals
|
Reduced
60%
|
Other
Findings:
-
Decreased maternal
fever
-
Fewer days spent in
NICU
-
Fewer septic workups
on baby
Long-term
Benefits:
-
Improved
breastfeeding
-
Increased time spent
with baby
-
More positive
maternal assessments of baby's personality and health, and maternal
competence
-
Increased maternal
satisfaction with partner
-
Decreased postpartum
depression
*summarized
from Chapter 3 of Mothering the Mother, by M.H. Klaus, J.H.
Kennell, and P.H. Klaus; Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, New York
(1993)
|
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