HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Continuous Support During Childbirth
Topic Overview
Having a support person from early labor until after childbirth (such as a Reference doula Opens New Window, nurse, midwife, or childbirth educator) has a proven, positive effect on childbirth.
Women who have continuous one-on-one support through labor may be more likely to:Reference 1
- Give birth without pain medicine
- Describe their birth experience positively.
- Give birth without certain interventions, such as cesarean or vacuum delivery.
- Have slightly shorter labors.
Although there is not a proven direct connection between continuous support and less labor pain, having a support person does help you feel more control and less fear, which are strong elements of mental pain control.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference November 2, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology |
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