Mental Health RAISR4D

Exploring the Role of Doulas in Supporting People With Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

21/05/2026

AI Summary

Doulas provide continuous, trusted support that benefits perinatal mental health and helps prevent or mitigate PMADs.
Doulas are well placed to identify PMADs early and connect people to appropriate mental health and maternal care.
Findings imply need to support a growing equitable doula workforce and improve access to PMAD-specific training and resources.

Int J Childbirth. 2025 Jul;15(2):82-100. doi: 10.1891/ijc-2025-0002.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a serious concern in the United States, as indicated by the high rate of pregnancy-related deaths due to mental health causes. Doulas, trained birth companions, are a potential and promising intervention for preventing, identifying, and responding to PMADs.

OBJECTIVE: This research explored the role of doula support for preventing and mitigating the negative impacts of PMADs.

METHODS: Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted with 33 participants in Montana. Participants included doulas, perinatal people with lived PMAD experience, and maternal and mental health providers.

RESULTS: The results demonstrated how the support provided by doulas is advantageous for perinatal people’s mental health and that doulas are well-positioned to identify PMADs and connect people to the needed care. These findings indicated that doulas are a trusted source of support for people who give birth and experience poor mental health. Moreover, in providing continuous, at-home care for perinatal people, doulas are well-positioned to fill gaps in the current maternity care, especially surrounding the postpartum period.

CONCLUSIONS: Implications of this study include the need to support a growing and equitable doula workforce and improve access to PMAD-specific training and resources.

PMID:42164950 | PMC:PMC13186208 | DOI:10.1891/ijc-2025-0002

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