Health workforce challenges impact the development of robust doula services for underserved populations in the United States


  • Abstract

    Evidence of doulas’ positive impacts on maternal health outcomes, particularly among underserved populations, supports expanding access. Health workforce-related barriers challenge the development of robust doula services in the United States. We investigated organizations’ barriers regarding training, recruitment, and employment of doulas. We conducted literature and policy reviews and 16 semi-structured interviews with key informants who contribute to state policymaking and from organizations involved in training, certifying, advocating for, and employing doulas. Our study shows barriers to more robust doula services, including varying roles and practices, prohibitive costs of training and certification, and insufficient funding. This study underscores the importance of doulas in providing support to clients from underserved populations. Health workforce-related challenges remain, especially for community-based organizations seeking to serve underserved communities.


  • Authors:

    Van Eijk E, Guenther GA, Jopson AD, Skillman SM, Frogner BK

  • Journal/Publisher:

    The Journal of Perinatal Education

  • Edition:

    Jul 2022. Vol 31 Issue 3

  • Link to Article

    Access the article here: The Journal of Perinatal Education

  • Citation:

    Van Eijk E, Guenther GA, Jopson AD, Skillman SM, Frogner BK. Health workforce challenges impact the development of robust doula services for underserved populations in the United States. The Journal of Perinatal Education. Jul 2022 Vol 31 Issue 3

  • Related Studies:

    Increasing Access to Doulas to Support a Diverse Population