Evidence shows a doula can mean:

• Reduced risk of Caesarean birth † *

• Reduced risk of instrumental birth † *

• Reduced need for painkillers or epidural during birth † *

•Reduced rate of induction of labour † *

• Shorter labour †

• Increased parental satisfaction with the birth experience †

• Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding *

• Increased likelihood of successfully establishing breastfeeding and breastfeeding at 6 weeks *

• Lower incidence of depressive symptomatology

• Improve equity and provide culturally responsive care #

* Brigstocke S. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 24, no 2, 2014, pp 157-160

#Meghan A Bohren and Sarah Chapman Cochrane review

† Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub5 and Bohren MA, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Fukuzawa RK, Cuthbert A. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6.

Support in decision making: We help clients navigate the complex healthcare system and make informed decisions about their care.

Advocacy: We advocate for all birthers, especially those from marginalised communities, to ensure their needs and preferences are heard and respected in the healthcare system.

Cultural Competency: We provide culturally sensitive and appropriate care for clients from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that the care provided is inclusive and respectful of the client's culture and traditions.

Disparities in maternal health: We help to close the gap in maternal health disparities in particular for people of colour, by providing education and support to help mitigate the effects of systemic racism in healthcare.