Accessibility statement

Multi-site implementation of a promising innovation in low income communities: support for childbearing women

Volunteer Doula Project Evaluation

A doula is a woman who provides continuous comfort, companionship and emotional support to a woman during pregnancy, labour and the period after birth. Studies of doula support from a number of other countries have now shown a range of benefits for both women and babies. These include less intervention during labour and fewer caesarean sections, more women starting and continuing breastfeeding, and increased use of services such as smoking cessation. Doula care is rare in the UK, especially for disadvantaged women, but is a promising innovation that could improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged mothers and babies.

Funding

Funder(s): National Institute For Health Research 
Start Date: October 2011
Expiry Date: June 2013

Members

External Collaborators