Why hire a doula?
Research consistently shows that having a doula present during labor and birth can lead to significantly better outcomes for birthing people. Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support, which has been shown to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary medical interventions. Additionally, people who have doula support are often more informed about their options and feel more empowered in their choices, which contributes to a decreased reliance on pain medications and epidurals. Most notably, studies also indicate that the presence of a doula is associated with lower rates of cesarean births, which can reduce recovery time, health risks, and overall healthcare costs. These benefits highlight the important role doulas play in promoting safer, more satisfying birth experiences.
Reduction in Cesarean Deliveries
53% lower odds of cesarean delivery among women receiving doula care during pregnancy and delivery.
47% lower risk of cesarean delivery among Medicaid enrollees utilizing doula services.
22% less likely to deliver by cesarean section, as per a meta-analysis of observational studies.
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Improved Mental Health Outcomes
57% lower odds of postpartum depression or anxiety for women who received doula care during delivery.
64.7% reduction in odds of postpartum depression/anxiety when doula support was provided during labor and birth.
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Enhanced Birth Outcomes
Women with doula support were four times less likely to have a low birth weight baby.
Doula care was associated with a 29% lower risk of preterm birth among Medicaid enrollees.
Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding, with rates as high as 97.9% among low-income mothers receiving doula support.
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Increased Postpartum Care Engagement
Women supported by doulas were 46% more likely to attend a postpartum checkup.
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Reduced Birth Complications
Doula-assisted mothers were two times less likely to experience a birth complication involving themselves or their baby.
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Additional Insights
Cost Savings: Doula care has been shown to reduce overall prenatal and birthing costs by approximately $1,675.
Shorter Labor: Continuous support from a doula can shorten labor by an average of 41 minutes.
Decreased Use of Pain Medication: Women with doula support are 10% less likely to use medications for pain relief during labor.
Improved Apgar Scores: Babies born with doula support have a 38% decrease in the risk of a low five-minute Apgar score.
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By providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support, doulas contribute to safer and more satisfying birth experiences.
As a doula, I offer comprehensive support that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit from early pregnancy through the postpartum period. I empower expectant mothers by sharing evidence-based information, helping them understand their choices and feel secure in their decisions. My goal is to inspire confidence, so my clients approach birth and beyond with clarity, strength, and trust in their own inner wisdom.
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Experience at:
•Kaiser Permanente Roseville
•Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento
•Kaiser Permanente Vacaville
•Mercy General Hospital
•Mercy San Juan Medical Center
•Methodist Hospital of Sacramento
•Midtown Nurse Midwives
•NorthBay Health Medical Center
•Sutter Medical Center Sacramento
•Sutter Roseville Medical Center
•UC Davis Medical Center