Why hire a birth support person?

 Overall, continuous support during birth leads to a:

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• 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; this risk was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff

Doulas are not medical professionals, and in general, the following tasks are not performed by doulas:

• They do not perform clinical tasks such as cervical exams or fetal heart monitoring.

• They do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions.

• They do not make decisions for the client (medical or otherwise).

• They do not pressure the birthing person into certain choices just because that’s what they prefer.

• They do not take over the role of the partner.

• They do not catch the baby.

• They do not typically change shifts (although some doulas may call in their back-up after 12-24 hours; and some volunteer doulas may take assigned shifts).

Read more to learn about how Tessa can support you during pregnant, labour, and beyond