Strategies for Promoting Doula Inclusivity in the Labor and Delivery Setting

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Healthcare Management
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Doulas offer vital emotional, physical, and educational support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
• Evidence suggests doula care improves maternal and neonatal outcomes and enhances the birthing experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a standardized process for incorporating doulas into labor and delivery settings.
• To ensure regulatory and safety compliance while promoting operational transparency.
• To guide healthcare teams in doula integration.

Main Methods:

• Development of a standard operating procedure for doula integration.
• Focus on safety, quality, and regulatory adherence.
• Strategies for promoting doula inclusivity within the healthcare team.

Main Results:

• Identified a lack of a prior standard operating procedure for doula integration.
• Established a framework for seamless doula incorporation.
• Created a foundation for improved collaborative care.

Conclusions:

• Successfully developed strategies to foster doula inclusivity in labor and delivery.
• Prioritized safety and quality in the proposed integration process.
• Aimed to enhance the overall patient and family experience through doula support.