Working with a doula helps to ensure a more positive birth experience, better physical and emotional outcomes for mother and baby and a more relaxed and prepared beginning to
parenthood.

• A doula helps you navigate the maternity care system, providing the most current, evidence based information and helping you understand your rights so you can make the choices that are right for you and your family.
• In today’s increasingly fragmented maternity care system, you may see a different midwife or obstetrician for each antenatal visit and at your baby’s birth. A doula provides personalised, continuity of care – she is a familiar presence who knows your hopes and preferences.
• Numerous research studies have highlighted that the use of a doula has clinically meaningful benefits, with no known risks. Compared with women who have no support in labour, women who have support from a companion who is neither a member of the hospital staff nor a friend or family member are:
  • 28% less likely to have a cesarean section
  • 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin (syntocinon) to speed labor
  • 9% less likely to use any pain medication
  • 34% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively.