In the United States:

• 29.7% of women have cesareans
• 44% of mothers are induced
• 63% of mothers have epidurals
• 93% of mothers have electronic fetal heart monitoring
• 85% of mothers are connected to an IV line during labor
• 58% of mothers have a gloved hand inserted into their uterus after birth
• 35% of mothers have an episiotomy
• 74% of mothers who give birth vaginally are on their backs
• 58% of mothers with a previous cesarean were denied a VBAC
• 12% of mothers were permitted to eat during labor

Source: The Center for Disease Control, 2004, and Maternity Center Association’s 2002 “Listening to Mother’s Survey”

Studies on the effects of Birth Doulas

Eleven scientific studies published in such places as the Journal of the American Medical Association, the New England Journal of Medicine, and the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology have documented the positive effects of doula support.

Advantages of Labor Support 

Numerous studies indicate that a doula's support during labor increases the chances of experiencing natural childbirth. Studies have shown that a Doula's attendance may decrease:

• 50% decrease in cesarean sections60% decrease in epidural use
• 30% decrease in use of IV pain medications
• 30% decrease in use of forceps
• 25% decrease in length of labor, about 98 mins
• 40% decrease in use of pitocin
• 40% decrease in oxytocin use

Addition Long-term Benefits Include:

• Improved breastfeeding success
• Decreased postpartum depression
• Greater maternal satisfaction & confidence
• Better mother-infant interaction
• Positive maternal assessments of maternal and newborn health
• Greater satisfaction with their birth experience
• More positive assessments of their babies
• Less postpartum depression.
• Babies have shorter hospital & fewer admissions to special care nurseries
• Babies breastfeed more easily
• Mothers are more affectionate to their babies postpartum

For more information on these studies see:
Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier & Healthier Birthand The Doula Book by MH Klaus, JH Kennell, and PH Klaus