Statistics
Doula support in childbirth is associated with a 40% decrease in cesarean deliveries among Medicaid recipients, according to results from a study published online February 14, 2013 in theAmerican Journal of Public Health.
The researchers found that the odds for cesarean delivery in the doula-supported group were 40.9% lower than for other Medicaid-funded births (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.51 – 0.68; P < .001), after controlling for clinical complications and for maternal age, race, or ethnicity. Doula-supported births had a cesarean rate of 22.3% compared with 31.5% among other Medicaid recipients
6 weeks after birth, mothers who had a midwife or doula:
- were less anxious and depressed
- had more confidence with their baby
- were more satisfied with there partner (71% vs. 30%)
- were more likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%)
Am J Pub Health. Published online February 14, 2013. Abstract