This past week ACOG (American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) made waves in the birth world by releasing a statement addressing real ways to help first time mamas avoid delivery by c-section. The biggest surprise for natural birth advocates? Their encouragement that continuous labor support (as in, a doula) is a proven way to improve labor outcomes: "Published data indicate that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula." The statement goes on to say: "Given that there are no associated measurable harms, this resource is probably underutilized."
(Go here to read the the full statement "The Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery"; for a great summary of all ACOG's suggestions read this post over at Science and Sensibility.)
I love to see ACOG encouraging its doctors with evidence-based care and I'm hopeful that this recommendation will quickly trickle down to patients.
How about you? Have you benefited from the invaluable support of a doula?
(Go here to read the the full statement "The Safe Prevention of the Primary Cesarean Delivery"; for a great summary of all ACOG's suggestions read this post over at Science and Sensibility.)
I love to see ACOG encouraging its doctors with evidence-based care and I'm hopeful that this recommendation will quickly trickle down to patients.
How about you? Have you benefited from the invaluable support of a doula?
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