Doula support is a proven solution to providing better maternal experiences and birth outcomes.
Community-based and -led doula services are especially powerful and are essential components of a just and effective maternity care system. Increasingly, doula support is provided from pregnancy into the postpartum period.
This report outlines the evidence that supports the unique value of doula support, the interest in use of doula support, and the current availability of doula services.
We are honored to collaborate with the following partners on this report:
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Editor’s note: We recognize and respect that pregnant, birthing, postpartum, and parenting people have a range of gender identities, and do not always identify as “women” or “mothers.” In recognition of the diversity of identities, this report uses both gendered terms, as well as gender-neutral terms such as “people,” “pregnant people,” and “birthing persons.” In referencing studies, we use the typically gendered language of the authors.
