Analysis on the Doula’s Influence in Childbirth Care at a Maternity

Background Childbirth and labor, in the past decades, have been suffering modifications towards the increasing necessity of humanization at labor and childbirth practices. The doulas have been presenting a important role in women’s support with good results in some countries. This article intends to analyze the implementation of a voluntary doula’s program at a large maternity in Brazil’s public health system.  Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional study was realized between June, 2015, and March, 2016. The presence or absence of the doula’s support was considered along side the labor type, pain medications use, oxytocin use and skin-to-skin contact between mother and child. It was also analyzed women’s satisfaction and the correlation with the doula’s support. Pearson's chi-squared test and a 0,05 statistical significance was used. Findings  A statistic association between the doula’s support and a decrease in cesarean sections number was found. Considering women with vaginal deliveries, a statistic association between the presence of the doulas and a increase in skin-to-skin contact and women satisfaction was reported. No significant correlation between the doulas and the use of pain medications, oxytocin use and episiotomy was found.  Conclusions The results tend to related the presence of the doulas with some good practices indicators, matching researches in other countries. Regardless of the cross-sectional study limitations, the presence of the voluntary doula’s program is perceived as satisfactory.