Abstract
Objectives
Doulas are a potential resource for addressing substance use and mental health challenges that pregnant and postpartum individuals experience. We sought to review peer-reviewed literature that examines Doulas’ role in addressing these challenges to highlight the need for more research in this area.
Methods
We conducted a scoping review (2001–2021) to identify articles that examine the way in which Doulas address maternal substance use and mental health challenges in their clients. The articles were reviewed by two members of the research team.
Results
Nine articles describing Doulas’ role in addressing substance use and mental health challenges were identified. Six described Doulas’ role in addressing mental health, five of which saw positive mental health outcomes due to Doula involvement. One additional article recommended Doulas be considered in the future to address mental health challenges. While the minority of articles addressed substance use (n = 2), it was reported that Doulas were a positive addition to interdisciplinary teams addressing substance use challenges with pregnant individuals.
Conclusions
While the literature showed that Doulas can improve substance use and mental health outcomes among pregnant or postpartum individuals, a significant gap remains in research, practice, and peer-reviewed literature addressing this issue.
Significance
What is already known on this subject? There is a maternal mental health crisis currently in the United States, exacerbated by poverty, mental health, and substance misuse among other factors. Currently, this crisis leads to disproportionate rates of morbidity and mortality, and there is not a clear or single solution for improving these outcomes.
What this study adds? This is the first known attempt to identify all published, peer-reviewed research on Doulas’ role in addressing substance use and mental health challenges. The maternal and child health workforce will be able to use this review to identify the importance of including Doula professionals as a part of care teams for pregnant and postpartum individuals, especially in an effort to mitigate the effects of substance use and mental health challenges.
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MDH conducted the original literature review and wrote the manuscript. KAJ and HH reviewed all collected articles from the initial review for final inclusion. All authors reviewed the final manuscript.
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Haiman, M.D., Johnson, K.A., Horan, H. et al. Addressing Gaps and Saving Lives: Doulas’ Role in Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges Among Pregnant and Postpartum Clients—A Scoping Review. Matern Child Health J 28, 246–252 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03832-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03832-z