Work

Strategies for Promoting Doula Inclusivity in the Labor and Delivery Setting

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Our facility aimed to establish a standardized process to guide healthcare team members to incorporate doulas in the labor and delivery setting while meeting regulatory and safety requirements and promoting operational transparency. DESCRIPTION: Doulas provide emotional, physical, and educational support to patients and families throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Doula care has been identified with improved maternal and neonatal birth outcomes, as well as improved perceptions of the birthing process. ASSESSMENT: Our facility lacked a standard operating procedure for successfully incorporating doulas into the healthcare team. CONCLUSION: We developed strategies to promote doula inclusivity in our labor and delivery environment with safety and quality at the core of our focus.

Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal

DOI: 10.1007/s10995-025-04051-4

Authors: Holly DeBernard Perkins, Christine Isaacs

Institutions: Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,590