[Clinical observation on Doula delivery].

OBJECTIVE

To improve the obstetricare quality during labour and delivery, our hospital carried out Doula delivery which is an appropriate technology in promoting natural delivery reported by Dr M Klaus, USA.

METHODS

Mothers were accompanied by senior experienced midwife who afforded continuous physical, psychological and emotional support during the whole course of labour. From April to August 1996, 46 cases of primigravida were selected as study group. Another 336 primigravida given birth in the same period were taken as controls, who were accompanied by their family member during their active phase of labour.

RESULTS

The results showed that the cesarean section rate was 6.5% in Doula group while 20.8% in the control group. The difference was significant (P < 0.05). The duration of labour and volume of postpartum bleeding both declined obviously in the study group (P < 0. 05).

CONCLUSION

Doula delivery offered better quality of health care during labour and decreased cesarean section rate duration of labour and postpartum bleeding.