It is also associated with a higher use of epidural. (aimsireland.ie)
It found that births attended by «continuous doula support» — compared to those that weren't — had «lower use of epidural analgesia, less pitocin, fewer mothers developing fever, fewer forceps or vacuum deliveries, and an extremely low number of cesarean deliveries,» making doula support a relatively «risk - free intervention.» (treehugger.com)
«Immersion in water during the first stage of labor may offer some benefits: It may shorten labor and is associated with a decreased use of epidurals [injecting anesthesia into the spine],» said Dr. Joseph Wax. (health.com)