BACKGROUND: The United States maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has increased in the past few decades and disparities that negatively impact birthing individuals of color persist. While there are many potential causes for health inequity, distinct factors such as obstetric racism, lack of informed and shared decision-making approaches, and lack of continuous birthing support can prevent positive birthing outcomes. The present study investigates the impact of doula support on perinatal mood disorders while also evaluating potential differences in racial/cultural concordance and cultural competence in the context of the doula-patient relationship, in a Northeastern U.S. urban setting. METHODS: Seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted amongst prenatal and postpartum patients (n=9) and actively practicing doulas (n=18). Participants shared their thoughts and lived experiences related to doula support during the perinatal period through open-ended questions. Researchers transcribed qualitative data from FGDs and analyzed them using a modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS: Five major themes emerged from qualitative data analysis: (1) doula support can reduce stress during the perinatal period, (2) doulas can make the process of seeking out mental health support more efficient, (3) cultural competency in doula care is a learning process (4) racial concordance does not guarantee successful doula-patient relationships, and (5) doulas play an important role in the decision-making process. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of doula support can combat perinatal mood disorders through two pathways identified in the present study. Although there may be distinct differences between culturally competent versus culturally congruent doula-patient relationships, matching by race or culture is not the solution to a fulfilling relationship. Doulas practicing cultural competence and cultural humility – regardless of client background – can make a meaningful impact on the perinatal experience and long-term mental health outcomes. / 2022-11-10T00:00:00Z

BACKGROUND: Despite large investments in maternity care services, perinatal health outcomes in the U.S. are among the worst compared to other industrialized countries, with documented perinatal health disparities disproportionately impacting racial and ethnic minorities. Midwifery-led freestanding birth centers (FSBC) have emerged as an underutilized model for the safe and cost-effective care of women with low-risk pregnancies. Despite approximately 85% of all US pregnancies being considered low-risk, only 0.5% of all US births occurred in a FSBC in 2016. The goal of the study is to elucidate strategies used to develop and sustain freestanding birth centers (FSBCs) that are seeking to serve high proportions of publicly-insured women and women of color. METHODS: I conducted an embedded unit case study, including semi-structured in-depth interviews and focus groups with 49 stakeholders from three exemplary FSBCs. Supplemental interviews were led with five key informants from three additional FSBCs and a relevant national membership organization. Additional data sources used to complete this case study include, where relevant and permitted, observations of maternity care settings, patient-provider encounters, management meetings, community events, and review of pertinent documents. Qualitative analysis methods were used to identify common themes and variations. FINDINGS: Midwifery-led birth center care can improve the experience and outcomes of maternity care among publicly insured women of color. The study revealed persistent multi-level challenges, as well as the use of common approaches to overcome these organizational, financial, and cultural barriers, resulting in greater, yet still fragile, access to family-centered intrapartum care within the communities in which these FSBCs operate. CONCLUSIONS: The careful integration of FSBCs into health systems such as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) may contribute to the broad scale-up of this underutilized model of care. While integrating FSBCs into FQHCs may be helpful in expanding equitable access to birth center care, it is not necessary, and also not sufficient. Expansion efforts should include additional deliberate processes and strategies to ensure equitable uptake and sustainability of birth center care. / 2020-10-23T00:00:00Z