The Evidence-Based Benefits of Birth and Postpartum Doulas
Bringing a baby into the world is a life-changing experience, but it also comes with physical, emotional, and mental challenges. While medical providers like midwives and Obstetricians focus on the clinical aspects of pregnancy and birth, doulas provide continuous, non-medical support that can improve outcomes for both mothers and babies. Research shows that having a birth or postpartum doula can lead to better birth experiences, improved maternal and neonatal health, and increased breastfeeding success.
If you’re expecting a baby and wondering whether hiring a doula is worth it, let’s look at what the evidence says.
How Birth Doulas Improve Labor and Delivery Outcomes
One of the most well-documented benefits of having a birth doula is the improvement in labor and delivery outcomes. A systematic review by Bohren et al. (2017) analyzed 26 studies involving over 15,000 laboring people and found that continuous support from a doula significantly reduced the likelihood of medical interventions and improved birth experiences. The study found that women with doula support were:
39% less likely to have a cesarean birth
15% more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth
10% less likely to use pain medication
31% less likely to report being dissatisfied with their 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).)
Unlike hospital staff, who may change shifts, or husbands/partners, who may have limited knowledge of birth, birth doulas provide continuous, one-on-one support throughout labor. Their presence can help lower stress levels, leading to more efficient labors and fewer interventions overall.
Lowering the Risk of Preterm Birth and Birth Complications
Beyond reducing the need for interventions, doula support is also associated with a lower risk of preterm birth and birth complications. A 2016 study by the National Partnership for Women & Families found that mothers with doula support were:
22% less likely to give birth prematurely (before 37 weeks)
2 times less likely to experience birth complications involving themselves or their baby
(Gruber, K. J., Cupito, S. H., & Dobson, C. F. (2013). Impact of doulas on healthy birth outcomes. The Journal of Perinatal Education, 22(1), 49-58.)
Preterm birth is a leading cause of infant mortality and long-term health issues, so any intervention that lowers this risk is significant.
The Role of Postpartum Doulas in Maternal and Infant Health
While birth doulas focus on labor and delivery, postpartum doulas help with the critical transition into life with a newborn. This period, often called the "fourth trimester," can be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. Research suggests that postpartum doula support has a direct impact on maternal mental health and newborn well-being.
Reducing Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Postpartum depression affects many women in the United States, and many struggle in silence. A study by Gruber et al. (2013) found that women who received doula support had significantly lower rates of postpartum depression and anxiety. This is likely because doulas provide emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance with newborn care, reducing stress and feelings of isolation.
(Gruber, K. J., Cupito, S. H., & Dobson, C. F. (2013). Impact of doulas on healthy birth outcomes. The Journal of Perinatal Education, 22(1), 49-58.)
Improving Breastfeeding Success
Breastfeeding can be challenging, and many new mothers struggle with latch issues, milk supply concerns, and conflicting advice. Studies show that postpartum doulas improve breastfeeding rates by providing hands-on support and evidence-based guidance.
A study by Kozhimannil et al. (2013) found that mothers with doula support were:
97.9% initiated breastfeeding, compared with 80.8% of the general Medicaid population
(Kozhimannil, K. B., Attanasio, L. B., Hardeman, R. R., & O'Brien, M. (2013). Doula care supports near-universal breastfeeding initiation among diverse, low-income women. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health, 58(4), 378-382.)
Having a knowledgeable support person in those early weeks can make all the difference in breastfeeding success and confidence.
Are Doulas Worth It?
We may be biased, but the research is clear—having a doula can lead to better birth outcomes, lower intervention rates, improved maternal mental health, and increased breastfeeding success. But beyond the numbers, doulas provide something that’s hard to measure: unconditional support, reassurance, and practical help when you need it most.
If you’re pregnant or just had a baby, finding a doula could be one of the best decisions you make for yourself and your family. At National Baby Co, we offer custom matching to find birth and postpartum doula support to help families navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with confidence and care.
Want to learn more? Reach out to find the right doula for your birth and postpartum journey.
