A survey of doula-supported births in 2013 in the UK

Brigstocke, Sophie

Sophie Brigstocke is a recognised birth and postnatal doula, based in Clapham, SW London. She is one of Doula UK's experienced mentors for new doulas, as well as being a breastfeeding peer supporter and baby massage instructor. She is co-owner of Nurturing Birth Ltd, facilitating courses around the UK for anyone who wishes to become a birth and/or postnatal doula. Nurturing Birth also offers parents a Doula Directory to find a doula to support them through their pregnancy, birth and early parenting experience. For more information about Nurturing Birth, visitwww.nurturingbirth.co.uk.

Brigstocke S. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 24, no 2, pp 157–160.

MIDIRS Midwifery Digest 24(2):p 157-160, 2014.

ORIGINAL

In 2008 a survey was carried out by Nurturing Birth () to compare data given by birth doulas with national NHS maternity statistics (The). The results supported previous research reported in the international medical press () stating that doulas reduced the length of labour, the need for anaesthesia, and the likelihood of caesarean or instrumental delivery, and greatly increased the breastfeeding rates at birth and six weeks postpartum.