Following are summaries of peer-reviewed research, evaluations, and evidence reviews on doula care. Many of these resources highlight how doula programs are associated with improved maternal health outcomes, including reductions in cesarean delivery and increased breastfeeding initiation, as well as improved maternal well-being, care experiences, and engagement in postpartum care. Evidence for additional outcomes, such as preterm birth and other clinical measures, is more variable across studies.
Doula Care and Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Doula care was associated with reduced maternal anxiety and higher breastfeeding initiation in a review of clinical trials.
Role of Doulas in Improving Maternal Health and Health Equity Among Medicaid Enrollees, 2014‒2023
Doula care for Medicaid enrollees was associated with lower rates of preterm birth and cesarean delivery, and higher use of postpartum care.
Doula Care Across the Maternity Care Continuum and Impact on Maternal Health: Evaluation of Doula Programs Across Three States Using Propensity Score Matching
Doula care for Medicaid enrollees was associated with lower odds of cesarean delivery and postpartum depression or anxiety.
Community Perspectives on the Creation of a Hospital-Based Doula Program
Qualitative study identified opportunities to improve how hospital-based doula programs can support pregnant people living in low-income communities.
Experiences of Community Doulas Working with Low-Income, African American Mothers
Community doulas can help build trust and support with low-income African American women navigating health care systems.
Disrupting the Pathways of Social Determinants of Health: Doula Support During Pregnancy and Childbirth
Doula support may help low-income, racially and ethnically diverse pregnant women address the effects of social determinants of health and improve birth outcomes.
Modeling the Cost-Effectiveness of Doula Care Associated with Reductions in Preterm Birth and Cesarean Delivery
Doula support was associated with lower rates of preterm birth and may be a cost-effective benefit for Medicaid programs.
