Research Study Description

Sanctuary Doulas + Family Care, in partnership with our sister non-profit organization, The Abundance Project, is proud to be one of nine nationwide finalists chosen to participate in the final phase of the Implementing a Maternal health and PRegnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE) Initiative - a $3 million prize competition from The National Institutes of Health’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) to incentivize non-profit organizations to develop the capabilities, infrastructure, and experience to conduct research projects that seek to improve maternal health outcomes in their communities.

High blood pressure, anxiety, and depression are all too common contributing factors to maternal health problems (morbidity) and deaths due to pregnancy or childbirth (mortality) in the United States. We are seeking to explore the impact that postpartum doula support in a mother’s home environment has on these factors in hopes that we can improve health disparities (differences in level or treatment), especially amongst BIPOC mothers. 

The purpose of this research study is to test the preliminary efficacy and acceptability of postpartum doula care in reducing BIPOC mothers’ blood pressures and examine the impact ion any present symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. We are also looking at the effectiveness and acceptability of postpartum doula support as an intervention to support overall health outcomes. The study plans to include about 30-35 participants.

IRB Approved Research Study: #46213 Postpartum Doula Care Reduces BIPOC Mothers' Hypertension, Depression, & Anxiety