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13-02-2024 | COVID-19

The Impact of Covid-19 on Community Perinatal Doula Support Services for Black Women

Authors: Heather M. Rice, Cyleste C. Collins, Monica Singh, Emily Cherney, Dana Hercbergs, Birthing Beautiful Communities

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 5/2024

Abstract

Objectives

To better understand the experiences of Black pregnant women during COVID-19, we examined Black pregnant clients’ and doulas’ experiences with perinatal support services amid COVID-19’s social distancing protocols.

Methods

We used qualitative description, employing a social constructionist framework to interview 12 perinatal support doulas and 29 Black women who were pregnant or gave birth during the pandemic about their experiences during the pandemic, when social distancing was required.

Results

Three key themes were identified: (1) Clients experienced increased social isolation; (2) Doulas’ exclusion from medical visits limited women’s access to support and advocacy; (3) Doula support as a sisterhood helped clients mitigate effects of COVID isolation.

Conclusions for Practice

Doulas should be considered essential support persons for Black pregnant women and should not be excluded from the birthing team. Support through technology is acceptable for some clients but less desirable for others and restricted doula’s ability to build rapport and be hands on with their clients.

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Title: The Impact of Covid-19 on Community Perinatal Doula Support Services for Black Women
Authors: Heather M. Rice
Cyleste C. Collins
Monica Singh
Emily Cherney
Dana Hercbergs
Birthing Beautiful Communities
Publication date: 13-02-2024
Publisher: Springer US
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 5/2024
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-023-03858-3

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The Impact of Covid-19 on Community Perinatal Doula Support Services for Black Women

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions for Practice

Other articles of this Issue 5/2024

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Addressing the Community Resource and Social Service Needs of Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Home Visiting Staff and Clients in Georgia

The Association of Racism and Discrimination in Disparities of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy in the United States: An Analysis of PRAMS Data

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Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions for Practice

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