The Effect of Social Support during Labour on Postpartum Depression

Abstract

A prospective, randomized, controlled intervention trial was conducted to determine the effect of a supportive labour companion (doula) on postpartum depression. Women in an experimental group were attended by a doula during labour and delivery whereas women in the control group received no intervention. It was predicted that intervention at childbirth would be associated with significantly lower measures of postpartum depression. The hypothesis was supported by the data at three months postpartum. This suggests that labour support has a considerable impact on the mother which persists into the postpartum period. This has important implications for primary prevention.