Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026
14:43
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
The Integration of Doula Care: Exploring Doulas' Role in Addressing Maternal Health Disparities Through Collaborative
Linda Cassar1, Angela Stanley1, Tarnisha Hemphill1
1The George Washington University School of Nursing, Ashburn, VA, USA.
The Journal of Perinatal Education
|May 22, 2026
Summary
Integrating doulas into maternity care improves outcomes for all mothers, especially women of color. This approach can reduce cesarean rates and increase breastfeeding initiation, addressing critical maternal health disparities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal Health
- Health Equity
Background:
- The United States experiences high maternal mortality rates, particularly among women of color, despite technological advancements in obstetrics.
- Existing maternity care models have not effectively reduced disparities in maternal health outcomes.
- Doulas offer continuous support and advocacy during the perinatal period, showing promise for improving care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the evidence supporting the integration of doulas into maternity care teams.
- To assess the impact of doula support on maternal health outcomes and disparities.
- To identify barriers and facilitators for implementing doula care in healthcare systems.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies on doula integration in maternity care.
- Analysis of data on maternal mortality, cesarean rates, patient satisfaction, and breastfeeding initiation.
- Examination of healthcare system factors influencing doula care accessibility.
Main Results:
- Doula support is associated with reduced cesarean delivery rates.
- Integration of doulas improves patient satisfaction and increases breastfeeding initiation rates.
- Doula care demonstrates potential for measurable improvements in addressing maternal health disparities.
Conclusions:
- Integrating doulas into maternity care teams is a viable strategy to enhance maternal health outcomes and promote equity.
- Systematic changes in the healthcare climate are necessary to overcome barriers and ensure widespread accessibility of doula services.
- Doula integration represents a critical step towards achieving equitable, high-quality maternity care for all individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care. Here are a few more healthcare professionals.
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution itself.
01:30Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
Theories play an essential role in organizing patient care. Theories refer to a proposed or followed belief, policy, or procedure that is the basis for action. Nursing theories are knowledge-based concepts that guide nurses' actions, influence nursing education and practice, and allow nurses to care for their patients.
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:30Community Based Intervention
Community-based interventions in mental health represent a paradigm shift from institution-centered care to treatments embedded within the fabric of local communities. By prioritizing inclusion and leveraging existing societal structures, this approach fosters a supportive environment conducive to addressing mental health challenges while promoting individual dignity and agency.
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...