Impact of Doula Support on Childbirth Outcomes for Women Undergoing a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
Sponsored by University of British Columbia
About this trial
Last updated 11 years ago
Study ID
H10-01551
Status
Completed
Type
Interventional
Phase
N/A
Placebo
No
Accepting
18+ Years
Female
Trial Timing
Ended 11 years ago
What is this trial about?
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of doula support on childbirth outcomes of women who are eligible for and attempting to have a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Doulas are paraprofessionals who provide women with continuous physical and emotional support throughout the course of labour. They also conduct home visits in the prenatal and postpartum periods in order to provide women with information on childbirth-related topics and breastfeeding support. They do not perform clinical tasks. Their value lies in the psycho-social care that they provide. It is hypothesized that women who receive doula support alongside standard care will have a lower rate of epidural analgesia use and greater cervical dilation at time of epidural administration, as compared to those who receive standard care alone.
What are the participation requirements?
Inclusion Criteria
* Women who have had at least one prior cesarean birth, are eligible for VBAC, and plan to attempt a VBAC after counseling at the Best Birth Clinic.
* Singleton gestation.
* Cephalic presentation.
* Term gestation (37-42 weeks at time of delivery).
Exclusion Criteria
* Women who have a pre-existing medical condition that would be an indication for an elective cesarean birth.
* Women who plan to privately hire a doula regardless of placement in either arm of the trial.