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Abstract
OBJECTIVE
- The objectives are to determine whether the introduction of· supportive companionship given by a "doula" (a lay labour companion) to nulliparous women during labour, will have long-term effects on feeding practices, the mother's perception of her baby, parenting practices or her relationship with her partner one year after delivery.
SETTING
The study was conducted at an . academic state hospital serving a lowincome urban population in the Western Suburbs of Johannesburg.
STUDY DESIGN
Two hundred and sixty two primigravidae who were in established labour without any obstetrics complications, and who had no labour companion with them were enroled into the study. They were randomly chosen to receive the additional support from a "doula" during their labour, or to receive the standard nursing and obstetric supportive care. The subjects and their babies were followed up one year after delivery.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Feeding practices, mother's perception of her baby, parenting practices and the relationship with her partner.
RESULTS
The findings partially confirm the results of studies that have shown positive effects of labour support on short-term outcomes. The results indicate a possible trend towards positive long-term effects of companionship during labour, but most differences were not statistically significant. A decisive conclusion cannot be reached.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This project evaluated the long-term effects of companionship during labour. In view of the equivocal results, future research on companionship during labour should be directed towards identifying the most effective method of promoting long-term effects. Methods such as continuous support during labour and postpartum follow-up by lay woman in the society could be implemented. Women could be encouraged to visit primary health care centres. Health workers at primary health care centres could be encouraged to provide facilities for counselling, and social and emotional support.





