The survey, published by Doula UK shows parents-to-be are far more likely to attempt and continue breastfeeding, and less likely to require intervention during their child's birth, if they have turned to a doula for support.

The survey gathered data from 105 doulas and their 1,106 birth clients across a range of critical birth-related areas. The most dramatic figures relate to breastfeeding and birth interventions. Women who used doulas needed significantly less medical intervention in the birth process and had greatly increased breastfeeding success compared against the national average.

One London mum says her life was transformed when she hired a doula

following a difficult first birth, and she is now putting her experience to excellent use after her career took an unexpected twist.

Ashley Scott-Fisher, 26, said she decided to use a doula to help her and husband, Alvin through their second pregnancy after the birth of their first child left her feeling anxious about giving birth again.
Ashley, of Stratford, was so impressed by the support that their doula offered that she decided to help other families in the same way and in June 2010 started her own journey towards becoming a doula.

Now as a Doula UK Recognised Birth and Postnatal Doula, Ashley provides emotional and practical support to women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. And she says World Doula Week is the perfect platform to raise awareness of the benefits that doulas can offer parents-to-be.

Following the birth of their daughter, Bailey, now four, in 2007 Ashley and Alvin realised how uninformed they had been and they did not want to be in that position again. Ashley said: 'Alvin and I were both completely underprepared for the birth of our daughter and accepted every suggestion the medical team made without question, expecting they would give us the support and guidance to achieve a positive birthing experience.

'It became a heavily-managed birth with many interventions and I narrowly escaped a Caesarean. When our beautiful daughter was eventually born, we received no skin-to-skin time and I was left feeling exhausted, disappointed, and that my body had failed us.'
In the weeks following Bailey's birth, Ashley found bonding with her daughter difficult. She struggled to breastfeed despite being determined to do so - but without the right support or guidance on how to overcome breastfeeding issues Ashley was forced to bottle-feed Bailey.

In 2009, when Ashley and Alvin discovered they were expecting their second child they were determined that this birth would be different and turned to Doula UK doula, Callie Copeman-Bryant. Ashley said: 'Callie really believed in our ability to birth our baby and helped us to talk through our feelings surrounding our first birth. She gave us time to discuss things and was always there when we needed to talk. By the time I went into labour I was relaxed, positive and trusted that my body and baby could do what they were made for.

'Unlike the first time, I knew what I wanted and was happy to ask for it. Thanks to Callie I knew that my body and baby would do things in their own time and was happy not to rush or allow anyone to intervene while my baby and I were safe. Our second birth was such a huge contrast to our first one, and as a result we felt closer than ever as a family.'

As Ashton reached his first birthday, the mum-of-two began her doula training and over the past 18 months has been supporting families through both the birth and postnatal period. With over 500 members, Doula UK represents the largest number of doulas in the UK. Its doulas work with women and their families to prepare for the birth of their baby, helping them to fully explore their options, make informed decisions and support them as they adjust to life with a newborn baby.

The Doula UK survey found of the doula-supported families, 93% attempted breastfeeding and 70% were still exclusively breastfeeding after six weeks. The figures are significantly higher than the latest national figures from the Department of Health, which show only 74.1% of new mums attempt breastfeeding, and just 47% are still exclusively breastfeeding at six weeks. The survey also showed that only 12% of doula-supported births required medical interventions, such as the use of forceps, ventouse or Caesarean sections, compared to the latest national figures of 37.3%.

Bridget Baker, Board Member and Head of Doula Mentoring at Doula UK, said: 'Our survey findings echo previous research in to the substantial benefits of doula support during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The results show that when women and their partners are well informed about breastfeeding, are signposted to good resources and have someone to turn to who is there to listen and offer unconditional support there are significant improvements in breastfeeding success rates.

'Elsewhere, the survey found that the frequency of medical interventions, that many women wish to avoid, decrease by over 25% in births supported by doulas. Though our doulas support any kind of birth and are not there to change outcomes it is startling that when women have this experienced and continuous support available to them during labour, they are much less likely to require serious interventions like Caesarean sections.

'Whatever path a birth takes our doulas always work with the midwives and other medical professionals to ensure that parents are kept fully informed about the choices that are available. This allows parents to confidently make decisions with which they are comfortable with in a nurturing and positive environment.'

To find out more about Doula UK and its network of doulas visit www.doula.org.uk
The Survey was commissioned by Doula UK ahead of World Doula Week.

The NHS figures on birth interventions can be found here:

â€¢ A doula is a lay woman who offers emotional and practical support to women, and their families, during pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood.
â€¢ Doula UK is a non-profit association of doulas operating across the UK, which recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.
â€¢ All members of Doula UK work within the guidance of its Code of Conduct and adhere to its philosophy.
â€¢ Doula UK operates the Doula Access Fund which allows parents who might otherwise not be able to benefit from the support of a doula.
â€¢ Doula UK provides a free 'Find a Doula' service at www.doula.org.uk

Breastfeeding Advice

March 22 2012

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