Small-Scale Pilot Project: Integrated Doula-Midwifery Care

In Summer 2022, my research team will conduct a small-scale pilot project examining mother/birth giver perceptions of an integrated midwifery-doula care practice.

Background Research

Numerous studies have shown that midwifery care is associated with improved perinatal health outcomes, including lower rates of operative births, severe perineal damage, and postpartum anemia (Martin-Arribas et al., 2022; Gruber et al., 2013).

Doula care is also associated with improved birth outcomes. Studies reveal that doula-assisted birth givers are up to four times less likely to have a low-birth-weight baby, two times less likely to experience a birth complication involving themselves or their baby, and significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding (Gruber et al., 2013).

Project Details

Thus, we are exploring how birth givers receiving continuous midwifery and doula care perceive their birth experiences, particularly as they relate to satisfaction with care. Right now, I am working collaboratively with a Certified Professional Midwife in southern Alabama to distribute a questionnaire to a small sample of birth givers receiving integrated midwifery-doula care.

Participation

If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact me at ellocke@crimson.ua.edu or 740-644-3012. If interested, participants will receive free postpartum doula services.