Women's Perceptions of Their Doula Support

Abstract

The pilot qualitative study presented in this article explored women's perceptions of the doula support they received in the perinatal period, with the aim of describing details of their experiences. Study participants were 12 women who had hospital births with the support of a certified doula. In-depth interviews were conducted postpartum with all 12 participants. Interview topics included specific categories and aspects of doula support and whether participants would use and/or recommend doulas in the future. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis. Emerging themes included support for husbands, tailored approaches, reassurance and encouragement, fulfillment of the women's desire for support from an experienced woman, and praise for the doula. The findings suggest that the doulas were beneficial in multiple areas for their clients.