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Related Experiment Videos

Social support in labor--a selective review

B Chalmers1, W Wolman

  • 1School of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|March 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

The most effective labor support comes from trained or untrained female supporters, with doula support showing the most impressive results for obstetric and psychosocial outcomes. This low-cost intervention aligns with traditional practices globally.

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Psychosocial Health
  • Sociology of Health

Background:

  • Labor support is provided by diverse individuals, including partners, medical staff, and informal supporters.
  • Previous research indicates varied impacts of different support persons on labor outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of various types of labor support on obstetric and psychosocial outcomes.
  • To identify the most beneficial forms of support during childbirth.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and comparison of findings from studies on different labor support providers.
  • Analysis of methodological soundness and outcome effects.

Main Results:

  • Trained or untrained female supporters, including doulas, consistently yield the most positive obstetric and psychosocial outcomes.
  • Doula support demonstrates the most impressive effects when considering both methodology and outcomes.
  • Support from fathers yielded mixed results, while family/friends showed no significant impact. Professional medical staff support was rare but sometimes positive.

Conclusions:

  • Lay female supporters, particularly doulas, represent a highly effective, low-cost intervention for improving labor outcomes.
  • The findings support the integration of lay supportive women, aligning with global traditional practices.

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