A birth that has assistance from a doula has many benefits to the person giving birth:

Benefits of Doula support

For every 100 births with a Doula as support partner:

• 3-4 less preterm births

• 13-34 more VBACs

• 8-11 more exclusively breastfeeding at discharge

• 5-6 more postpartum check up visits attended

As well as:

• reduced risk of c-section

• reduced risk of instrumental birth (forceps, vacuum)

• reduced rate of induction

• reduced need of epidural

• shorter labour

• increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding

• increased rate of successful breastfeeding

• improved equity and culturally responsive care

• lower incidence of postpartum mood disorders

 

Unfortunately the Irish maternity system lacks resources. The c-section rate in Ireland in currently approx 44%, while in other EU countries the rate of c-sections is ~20%, for those attending with a doula the rate of c-sections is only 13.4%.

https://www.doulas.ie/evidence-in-support-of-doulas 

 

At the moment in Ireland, maternal healthcare stops at 6-weeks postpartum. A woman is discharged from the system at 6 weeks and receives no further checkups or assistance. But research shows that a substantial number of women in Ireland are experiencing clinical-level symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress well beyond this 6 week period of service provision. Depression and stress symptoms measured the lowest during pregnancy but increased after birth at 3 months postpartum and were at the highest at 6 months postpartum. Depression and stress dropped a little at 9 months postpartum and then increased again at one year postpartum.
This means that women in Ireland are not supported by a maternity care system that can detect and offer timely treatment to women who need it. Women benefit from a doula that can support them in the postpartum.

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Stats on PND https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/specialist-perinatal-mental-health/specialist-perinatal-mental-health-services-model-of-care-2017.pdf

Rates of Perinatal Psychiatric Disorder per thousand maternities:

• Postpartum psychosis 2/1000

• Chronic serious mental illness 2/1000

• Severe depressive illness 30/1000

• Mild-moderate depressive illness and anxiety states 100-150/1000

• Post-traumatic stress disorder 30/1000

• Adjustment disorders and distress 150-300/1000

There were approx 54,000 births in Ireland last year, so approx 16,200 of those mothers suffered a perinatal mental health illness.

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Research shows that no matter where or how a person gives birth, doulas help make that experience a more positive one. A doula provides physical and emotional support during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Families can face various challenges during these times.

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Postpartum doulas are trained to understand what new babies – and new parents – truly need. 

Life with a new baby or babies doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A postpartum doula helpS families settle in and feel supported in their parenting choices. Studies show that this kind of support can help in the following ways:

• Help reduce postpartum mood disorders

• Improve breastfeeding success

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I believe in informed decisions, and advocating on behalf of my client families, to give them best possible chance at their preferred pregnancy journey, birth experience and start to their parenting.

 

I have outlined details on the support services I provide on my website. I would be happy to chat with you further to discuss your expectations and priorities for support, and for you to determine if I would be a good fit for you.  

 

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