Birthing With Others: Exploring the Efficacy of One-On-One Professional Support on Physiological Birth and Flow State.
Birth December 1, 2025 Orli Dahan, Alon Goldberg
One-on-one continuous professional support during labor is linked to higher rates of physiological birth and a heightened state of flow—an altered consciousness characterized by complete absorption and energized focus. In a survey of 788 women who had given birth, those supported one-on-one by a midwife (80.9%) or doula (65.7%) had natural childbirth more often and fewer medical interventions than those receiving conventional assistance (44.4% natural birth). Women with one-on-one support also reported the highest flow state levels. The findings validate a correlation between continuous professional support and physiological birth, and establish for the first time a connection between such support and an empowering flow experience during childbirth.