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Why Choose a Doula?

Studies show that having a doula-assisted birth leads to better birth outcomes, including:
  • Reduced likelihood of cesarean birth
  • Shorter labor durations
  • Decreased use of medical interventions such as epidurals and Pitocin
  • Increased satisfaction with the birth experience
  • Higher success rates in breastfeeding initiation and bonding
  • Lower risk of postpartum depression
By having a doula by your side, you gain personalized, compassionate, and continuous support that empowers you to feel confident, informed, and nurtured every step of the way.
Doula Statistics: The Impact of Doula Support on Birth & Postpartum Outcomes
Doulas have been extensively studied for their positive effects on birth experiences, maternal satisfaction, and postpartum recovery. Below are some key statistics that highlight the benefits of doula care. Doula Support & Birth Outcomes Continuous labor support from a doula leads to:
  • 39% decrease in the risk of cesarean birth (C-section)¹
  • 15% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth¹
  • 10% decrease in the use of pain medications during labor¹.
  • 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience¹
Shorter Labors
  • Research shows that having a doula can shorten labor by an average of 41 minutes.²
Lower Intervention Rates
  • Women with doula support are less likely to need Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) to induce or speed up labor.³
  • Doulas help reduce the likelihood of epidural use, leading to fewer medical interventions.³
Doula Support & Maternal Mental Health
Reduced Postpartum Depression (PPD) Rates
  • **Doula-assisted mothers are 52% less likely to experience postpartum depression or anxiety.**⁴
  • Mothers with postpartum doula care report higher confidence in newborn care and breastfeeding success.⁵
Increased Breastfeeding Success
  • Doulas improve breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates.
  • Studies show that 80% of mothers with doulas successfully initiate breastfeeding, compared to 67% of those without doula support.⁶
Doula Support & Cesarean Prevention
Cesarean birth rates in the U.S. remain high (32%), but having a doula can reduce the likelihood of a C-section by nearly 40%.¹
Hospital births with a doula see a lower rate of unnecessary interventions and better birth satisfaction among mothers.
Postpartum Doula Care & New Parent Well-being
Parents with postpartum doula support experience:
  • Lower stress and anxiety levels
  • Better postpartum recovery and healing
  • Higher satisfaction with the early weeks of parenting
  • More confidence in newborn care skills
Postpartum support also helps partners adjust and feel more engaged in the newborn phase.⁷
Why These Statistics Matter Doulas provide a unique, continuous support system that hospitals and medical providers often cannot. Unlike nurses or doctors, a doula remains fully dedicated to mom's emotional and physical comfort, ensuring a less stressful, more empowering birth and postpartum experience. For families seeking natural-minded, holistic support—like what we offer at Root & Renew—a doula is an invaluable addition to the birth team.
Sources:¹ Bohren MA, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, et al. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.² Campbell DA, Lake MF, Falk M, et al. (2006). A randomized trial of continuous labor support for middle-class couples. Birth.³ Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, et al. (2013). Continuous support for women during childbirth. The Cochrane Library.⁴ Gruber KJ, Cupito SH, Dobson CF. (2013). Impact of doulas on healthy birth outcomes. Journal of Perinatal Education.⁵ McGrath SK, Kennell JH. (2008). A randomized controlled trial of continuous labor support for middle-class couples. Birth.⁶ Kozhimannil KB, Hardeman RR, Attanasio L, et al. (2013). Doula care, birth outcomes, and costs. American Journal of Public Health.⁷ Nommsen-Rivers LA, Chantry CJ, Peerson JM, et al. (2010). Doula support and breastfeeding success. Pediatrics.