In 2005, the cesarean delivery rate had risen for the eighth straight year according to preliminary birth data for 2004 released by CDCs National Center for Health Statistics.

The CDC reported:

* The Cesarean Rate for 2004 is 29.1%

* The Rate is up from 27.6% in 2003

* US Cesareans have risen 40% since 1996

* VBAC Rate fell to 9.2%

* Since 1996, the VBAC rate in the US has plummeted 67%

(http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/prelimbirths04/prelimbirths04health.htm)

We are still seeing a slow, steady increase in the rise of cesareans. However, more and more women are seeking alternatives to medicated births and wanting fewer interventions. Because of this, the role of the doula has grown.

What Statistics Have Shown About the Benefits of Doulas:

Dr’s Marshall Klaus and John Kennell are known worldwide for their decades of research. The following table provides overwhelming evidence that doula support enhances the well-being of mothers and babies, leads to fewer medical interventions in the process of labor and delivery, and saves money for the individuals and hospitals.

*Significant difference

**Highly significant difference

A fourth study of 189 women having their first babies was done by Professor G. Justus Hofmeyer and colleagues of the University of Witwatersand in Johannesburg, Africa. The doulas used for this study were untrained laywomen, who were asked to remain with laboring women constantly and use touch and verbal communication with focus on comfort, reassurance, and praise. Below you will find the results of this study.