Kansas City researchers explore impact of doula support on reducing adverse health outcomes in pregnant Black women
Angela Martin, MD; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Kansas Medical Center
Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.1 However, doula support during pregnancy and childbirth has been associated with improved communication with the healthcare team, increased birth experience satisfaction, and decreased stress on the mother. 2, 3
Dr. Martin’s research team set out to:
- Be the first randomized controlled trial to compare outcomes between standard obstetric healthcare and obstetric healthcare supported by doula care.
- Determine if obstetric healthcare supported by doula care will reduce adverse health outcomes
The doula research was funded, in part, by a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) in 2022 as part of Transforming KC: Health Outcomes Research Grants, a partnership between Blue KC and BioNexus KC.
Results
The study highlighted that doula-integrated care is strengthened when programs invest in community and trust-building initiatives that help doulas develop strong relationships with patients.
1CDC. Working Together to Reduce Black Maternal Mortality
2National Institutes of Health. Disrupting the Pathways of Social Determinants of Health: Doula Support during Pregnancy and Childbirth
3National Institutes of Health. The obstetrical and postpartum benefits of continuous support during childbirth
