Effectiveness of Doula Care during Intra - Natal Period on Selected Outcome Variables among Labouring Mothers

Introduction: labour is one of the most exciting, joyous and important events of woman?s life, but often accompanied by fear of labour pain and birth outcomes. A birth companion, accompany the labouring mothers for a successful labour and birthing process. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of doula care on labouring mothers during intra-natal period admitted in CLR, Nehru Hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Method: A quasi-experimental design was used and 120 sample from CLR, Nehru hospital, PGIMER, Chandigarh was selected by using purposive sampling technique from July to September 2019. The tools used for data collection are socio-demographic and obstetrical profile, state and trait anxiety inventory, numeric pain scale, partograph and birth satisfaction scale. Level of anxiety is assessed in the experimental group after implementing the doula care (psychological support by doula as a birth companion, effleurage massage, breathing exercises, and positioning) and in the control group after giving routine care. First assessment of labour pain was done at 3-4cm dilatation of cervix, second assessment done after 2 hours of first observation and so on in both the groups. Duration of active phase of labour, mode of delivery and use of pain relief medications was assessed by partograph from 4cm to full dilatation. Birth satisfaction was assessed in both the groups after delivery. Results: The study findings revealed that, doula care is effective in reduction of anxiety and pain during labour, decreases the incidence of caesarean, reduces prolonged labour, lessen the use of pain relief medications and increases the birth satisfaction level as shown by Mann-Whitney test, independent t-test and Wilcoxon test (pless than0.05). Conclusion: The study findings concluded that, the doula care helps the women to have a safe, memorable and empowering birth experience.