Why Doulas Need to be the Norm, Not the Exception
Abstract
Helaine Wilkowsky, Allison Mackin, Laura Lucas and Victoria Hughes
The rate of cesarean sections is increasing in many countries. The cesarean rate within the United States was reported at 32% in 2015. The risk to mother and baby and the cost of the surgical interventions can burden the healthcare system. Doula support for laboring women has been increasing since the term was first used in 1976. What is the impact of doula support for women during labor? An electronic literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and PsychINFO for the search terms “doula”, “birth companion”, and “continuous labor support” published between January 2012 and June 2017. A total of 10 papers were selected for the review based on the inclusion criteria. The 10 studies were reviewed and categorized according to level of evidence and the quality of scientific evidence based on Johns Hopkins Evidence Rating Scales. Findings suggest that there are numerous benefits and no harms identified to providing doula suppor