What the Research Says About Doula Support
- medcitydoulas
- Mar 21
- 3 min read
Choosing a doula is an investment in support, advocacy, and better outcomes during birth and postpartum. But beyond personal experiences, what does the research actually say? Studies consistently show that doula care leads to lower intervention rates, improved birth experiences, and better postpartum recovery.
Here’s what the data tells us about the impact of doulas on birth and postpartum health.
Doulas Reduce the Risk of Cesarean Birth and Medical Interventions
One of the most well-documented benefits of birth doulas is their ability to reduce the likelihood of a cesarean section and other interventions. A comprehensive Cochrane Review analyzing 26 studies with over 15,000 participants found that having continuous support from a doula is linked to:
A 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean birth
A 15% increase in spontaneous vaginal birth
A 10% reduction in the use of pain medication
A shorter labor by an average of 41 minutes
A 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
(Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7(7). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6)
Why does this happen? Researchers suggest that doulas provide a sense of emotional safety, encourage movement and comfort measures, and help clients advocate for their preferences—leading to a more positive, physiologic birth process.
Postpartum Doulas Improve Mental Health and Recovery
The postpartum period, often called the fourth trimester, is a vulnerable time for new parents. Lack of sleep, physical recovery from birth, and the adjustment to parenthood can all contribute to stress, anxiety, and even postpartum depression.
Studies show that postpartum doula support is associated with lower rates of postpartum depression and anxiety. One review found that parents who had a doula were more likely to feel confident in caring for their baby and experienced improved emotional well-being.
Doulas provide practical hands-on support—like helping with feeding, newborn care, and rest—while also offering emotional reassurance and guidance, which research suggests can ease the transition into parenthood.
Doula Support for Surrogacy and Adoption Transitions
Doula care isn’t just for birthing parents. Intended parents through surrogacy or adoption can also benefit from postpartum doula support. Research highlights the importance of early bonding and attachment, and doulas can help intended parents navigate feeding, newborn sleep patterns, and emotional adjustment.
For birth parents placing a baby for adoption or carrying as a surrogate, doula support can be equally impactful. Emotional support, postpartum recovery care, and processing the experience with a trained professional can make a world of difference in overall well-being.
Cesarean Births: Doulas Provide Essential Support
While some C-sections are planned, others happen unexpectedly. Having a doula can be a source of continuity and reassurance during a surgical birth. Studies indicate that:
Doulas help lower preoperative anxiety
Parents report feeling more satisfied with their birth experience when a doula is present
Doulas provide essential recovery support, including assistance with newborn care and feeding post-surgery
It’s About Support, Not Outcomes
At the end of the day, the role of a doula isn’t about guaranteeing a specific type of birth or parenting experience. It’s about supporting you in whatever path you take. Whether you want an unmedicated birth, are planning a scheduled C-section, need extra hands during postpartum recovery, or are welcoming a baby through adoption or surrogacy, the research is clear: Having a doula makes a difference.
If you’re curious about working with a doula, we’re happy to chat—no pressure, just support. 💛
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