Does the presence of a trained support person during labor decrease C-section rates?

Abstract

Q: Does the presence of a trained support person during labor decrease C-section rates? Evidence-based answer: sometimes. The continuous presence of a support person during labor slightly decreases (by about 2%) the likelihood of a cesarean section (C-section) but only when companions can't be present and epidurals aren't routine (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, a well-done systematic review of randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). When the support person was neither hospital staff nor a member of the woman's social network, C-section was significantly less likely (SOR A, a well-done systematic review of RCTs).