"We don't just want doulas. We want good doulas." Examining the role of doula training in promoting perinatal mental health.

Abstract

While research increasingly explores the role doulas can play in addressing perinatal health disparities, doula training itself remains unexplored. This paper examines the crucial role of doula training in enhancing birthing care accessibility and quality, particularly in addressing mental health disparities and fostering positive birth experiences. Through qualitative analysis, challenges such as cost, time constraints, and training accessibility issues are identified. Key recommendations include removing financial and logistical barriers, incorporating supplemental training for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and fostering cultural sensitivity to meet diverse community needs, including rural and Indigenous populations.