Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after labor and birth. This report explores the role of doulas in maternal health care, reviews the evidence on the effects of doula care on maternal health outcomes, and discusses challenges and policy opportunities for expanding doula care in the U.S., including recent developments in Medicaid and actions being taken as part of the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis.
Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center
Accelerating innovative and evidence-informed interventions that improve maternal health and eliminate maternal health inequities