II. Definitions

  1. Doula
    1. Continuous non-medical labor support

III. Efficacy

  1. Groups with greatest benefit
    1. Women who would otherwise labor alone
    2. Low-income patients
  2. Continuous Doula support improves outcomes
    1. Reduces labor duration
    2. Reduces use of Analgesics, Oxytocin and forceps
    3. Reduces chance of Cesarean Section
    4. Intermittent support does not offer same benefits
    5. Scott (1999) Am J Obstet Gynecol 180:1054-9 [PubMed]
  3. Continuous nursing does not offer same benefit as Doula
    1. Hodnett (2002) JAMA 288:1373-81 [PubMed]

IV. Resources

  1. Doulas of North America (DONA)
    1. http://www.dona.org
  2. Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association
    1. http://www.cappa.net

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