Did you know that labouring people who have continuous support by a non-medical person, who is also not a member of their family (ie a doula) experiences:
25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)
8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)
10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; birthing persons’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff
Source: Evidence Based Birth
Surge Doula & Massage Therapy 