CIMS congratulates DONA International on the recent release of a new documentary, “The Essential Ingredient: Doula,” which features DONA founders and past presidents speaking on the origin and rationale of doula support complimented with visuals of treasured birth and postpartum moments. Every laboring woman can benefit from the support of an experienced birth professional. The following information is provided by BirthNetwork National and Citizens for Midwifery in “Mother-Friendly Childbirth – Highlights of the Evidence“, a summary of CIMS’ widely-acclaimed “The Evidence-Basis for the Ten Steps of Mother-Friendly Care”:

• “Perception of support during labor was a key ingredient in a woman’s ultimate satisfaction with her birth experience and was more important in determining satisfaction than experience of pain or satisfaction with pain relief. More satisfaction was reported with birth support when provided by a partner or doula, compared to a doctor or nurse.”
• “Using labor support reduced likelihood of requesting pain relief in labor, reduced likelihood of severe postpartum pain, increased likelihood of spontaneous birth (vaginal birth without the use of forceps or vacuum extraction), increased satisfaction with the birth experience, and resulted in fewer cesareans and less oxytocin during labor.”