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80k After Hours

Highlights: #178 – Emily Oster on what the evidence actually says about pregnancy and parenting

Feb 15, 2024
Guest Emily Oster challenges parenting stereotypes and discusses the evidence behind doulas in birth, the importance of vaginal birth, the long-term aspect of parenting, and the impact of childcare arrangements on children's outcomes.
23:51

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Having a doula present during childbirth can reduce the risk of C-sections and epidurals, improving birth outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
  • The preference for vaginal birth is influenced by easier recovery, availability of epidurals, and potential complications in future pregnancies, highlighting the importance of support and informed decision-making.

Deep dives

The Positive Impact of Doulas on Birth Outcomes and Costs

Having a doula present during childbirth has been proven to reduce the risk of C-sections and the use of epidurals. Research suggests that even when doulas are randomly assigned or less experienced, the presence of a support person still yields positive outcomes. The cost-effectiveness of doulas is supported by the potential savings from avoiding expensive medical interventions. Overall, the evidence favors the use of doulas in improving birth outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

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