Effects on Birth Outcomes:
- Women request less pain medication and epidurals
- There are fewer complications
- Reduced chances of having a cesarean section
- Reduced epidural or other painkiller use
- Reduced use of artificial oxytocin to speed labor
- Reduced duration of labor
- Reduced use of forceps
- Reduced use of vacuum extraction
- Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth
- Greater satisfaction with their childbirth, resulting in a more positive birth experience
- More positive assessments of their babies
- Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection
- Mothers feel more secure
- Mothers feel more in control
- Reduced levels of anxiety
- Reduced maternal bleeding following birth
- Mothers have higher regard and increased sensitivity towards babies
- Reduced incidence of postpartum depression
- Babies have shorter hospital stays and fewer admissions to special care nurseries
- Mothers are more affectionate to their babies postpartum
- Reduced chances of health complications and hospitalizations of baby
- Increased chances of successful breastfeeding
- Found to be superior to Lamaze
- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
- The World Health Organization
- The Medical Leadership Council (an organization of over 1200 U.S. hospitals)
References:
New Cochran Review of effects of continuous support for women during childbirth
http://www.maternitywise.org/pdfs/continuous_support.pdf
