The Doula's Role in Reducing Postpartum Depression: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Maternal health services research
• Public health interventions

Background:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-20% of mothers, with higher rates in marginalized communities.
• Maternal mental health conditions contribute significantly to pregnancy-related mortality.
• Doulas offer continuous support throughout the perinatal period, addressing emotional, physical, and informational needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on the impact of doula support on the prevention of postpartum depression.
• To synthesize findings from recent research (2020-2025) examining doula care and PPD rates.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of articles published between 2020 and 2025.
• Searches conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar using keywords related to PPD, social support, maternal health services, and doula care.
• Inclusion of qualitative, quantitative, and review articles.

Main Results:

• Nine articles met the inclusion criteria for the review.
• Women receiving doula support demonstrated lower odds of developing PPD and postpartum anxiety.
• Benefits included enhanced social support, reduced stress, improved birth experiences, and increased maternal self-efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Doula support is a promising strategy for PPD prevention.
• Barriers to accessing doula care disproportionately affect marginalized populations who experience higher rates of maternal mental health disorders.
• Recommendations include focusing on doula care's protective value, overcoming access barriers, standardizing mental health education for doulas, and integrating doula support within maternity care teams, with nurses playing a key role in coordination.