The Design and Impact of a Rural Community Supported Doula Program

Conference Year

January 2022

Abstract

The study evaluates the design and impact of a doula program in rural Vermont. This qualitative research aims to understand the population the program serves, the specific challenges clients face, and how to mitigate such challenges in the perinatal and post-partum period with a social work model of doula care. The WCMHS Doula Program serves a high-risk population which would otherwise be beyond the reaches of more typical doula models. Placing doula services within a mental health agency and offering case management style doula services makes great impact on the wellbeing of people who face significant challenges in accessing healthcare.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Colleen Horan

Faculty/Staff Collaborators

Maria Rossi, Victoria Hart

Student Collaborators

Erin Gregory-Davis, Sandra Zapien

Status

Medical Students

Student College

Larner College of Medicine

Program/Major

Undeclared Major

Primary Research Category

Health Sciences

Abstract only.

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The Design and Impact of a Rural Community Supported Doula Program

The study evaluates the design and impact of a doula program in rural Vermont. This qualitative research aims to understand the population the program serves, the specific challenges clients face, and how to mitigate such challenges in the perinatal and post-partum period with a social work model of doula care. The WCMHS Doula Program serves a high-risk population which would otherwise be beyond the reaches of more typical doula models. Placing doula services within a mental health agency and offering case management style doula services makes great impact on the wellbeing of people who face significant challenges in accessing healthcare.