Community Perspectives on the Creation of a Hospital-Based Doula Program

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Health Equity
• Community-Based Participatory Research

Background:

• Racial and ethnic disparities significantly impact perinatal health outcomes.
• Doula support is an evidence-based intervention for enhancing maternal outcomes.
• Access to doula services is limited for women in lower-income communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore community perspectives on doula care.
• To inform the development of a hospital-based doula program.
• To serve low-income women of color and address health inequities.

Main Methods:

• Conducted four focus groups and four individual interviews.
• Included pregnant/parenting women, birth support providers, and trained doulas.
• Gathered insights on desired doula support and program adaptations.

Main Results:

• Participants expressed positive perceptions of doula services.
• Doulas can address healthcare gaps like continuity of care and advocacy.
• Program adaptations are needed for specific needs (e.g., substance use, young mothers).

Conclusions:

• Racial/ethnic minority and low-income women are likely to use hospital-based doula programs.
• Tailoring doula care is essential for high-risk populations.
• Findings support the development of adapted doula programs to improve maternal and birth outcomes.