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Impact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomes by Kenneth J. Gruber, PhD, Susan H. Cupito , MA, and Christina F. Dobson, MEd. Power Point by Leticia Austin. Highlights. Skilled doulas positively impact the outcomes of a healthy birth
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Impact of Doulas on Healthy Birth Outcomesby Kenneth J. Gruber, PhD, Susan H. Cupito, MA, and Christina F. Dobson, MEd Power Point by Leticia Austin
Highlights • Skilled doulas positively impact the outcomes of a healthy birth • Impacts are greater for women who are economically and socially disadvantaged • One study found mothers had significantly shorter labor and higher Apgar scores with doula assisted births.
Design • Study used a nonexperimental design and was composed of two groups, doula and nondoula • Participants who attended 3 of the 8 of the prenatal classes had the option to have a doula present for delivery and prenatal care
Results • The study found that women with doulas were four times less likely to deliver a baby with low birth weight • There was a drop in birth complications • Nearly all the mothers (90.4%) that were doula assisted initiated breastfeeding after delivery • The study concludes that having doulas present in hospital settings can greatly increase the rates of healthy natural births, and reduce the need for medical interventions.
Thoughts • After having one traumatic medically traditional delivery, I chose to have a doula present and a midwife for the delivery of my second child. My doula made a world of difference in my confidence level, pain relief, and support. As discussed in the article, she impacted my birth in a way that no one else could have. • The study and article discuss both sides of having a doula assisted birth, and the evidence still points to the benefits outweighing the cons. • Since a doulas focus is on the mother, as stated in the study, she can influence a delivery and care for the mother without interference. Her main goal, as a doula, is the desired delivery and a healthy baby. • Doulas ROCK!
References • Gruber, K.J, Cupito, S.H., & Dobson, C.F. (2013). Impact of doulas on healthy birth outcomes. Journal of Perinatal Education, 22(1), 49-58.