Prior research has evaluated the effectiveness of doula support and training on client outcomes. There are relatively few published evaluations describing the impact of community-based doula training on doulas themselves. Therefore, the aim of this presentation is to describe the development and implementation of an internationally disseminated, DONA-approved birth doula training program and to describe the experiences and perceived impact of this training on doula trainees. This project is a community-academic partnership between The Natural Way Birthing Project and the MCH Equity Research Lab at UT-Arlington which involved a collaborative co-design process. In January 2023, we used a distribution list to invite individuals who completed this training between 2014 and 2022 and offered the chance to receive a $50 gift card. Two hundred and thirty-four respondents completed the 25-item survey. Majority of respondents reported being Black/African American (73%), cisgender women (%), and a person with lived experience (54%). Most respondents completed the training between 2020 and 2022 and half attended virtually. Respondents were independent doula contractors (34%), employed by a nonprofit (11%), or provided doula support as a ministry/free service (16%). Most respondents were satisfied with the training (96.2%) and felt the training prepared them to provide community-based doula support (97%). After the training, 14% obtained their DONA certification and 14% obtained certification elsewhere. Among those not obtaining certification cited support (what type of support) and acquisition of clients as barriers. Open-ended responses also indicated respondents felt that the training shaped their ability to make a meaningful impact in their own communities. Overall, these findings demonstrate the research and impact of Black-led doula training programs; and are relevant for doula trainers with interest in using evaluation for continuous program development and improvement.
Prior research has evaluated the effectiveness of doula support and training on client outcomes. There are relatively few published evaluations describing the impact of community-based doula training on doulas themselves. Therefore, the aim of this presentation is to describe the development and implementation of an internationally disseminated, DONA-approved birth doula training program and to describe the experiences and perceived impact of this training on doula trainees. This project is a community-academic partnership between The Natural Way Birthing Project and the MCH Equity Research Lab at UT-Arlington which involved a collaborative co-design process. In January 2023, we used a distribution list to invite individuals who completed this training between 2014 and 2022 and offered the chance to receive a $50 gift card. Two hundred and thirty-four respondents completed the 25-item survey. Majority of respondents reported being Black/African American (73%), cisgender women (%), and a person with lived experience (54%). Most respondents completed the training between 2020 and 2022 and half attended virtually. Respondents were independent doula contractors (34%), employed by a nonprofit (11%), or provided doula support as a ministry/free service (16%). Most respondents were satisfied with the training (96.2%) and felt the training prepared them to provide community-based doula support (97%). After the training, 14% obtained their DONA certification and 14% obtained certification elsewhere. Among those not obtaining certification cited support (what type of support) and acquisition of clients as barriers. Open-ended responses also indicated respondents felt that the training shaped their ability to make a meaningful impact in their own communities. Overall, these fin ...
Houston 3 Black Maternal & Mental Health Summit bmmhsummit@shadesofblueproject.orgTechnical Issues?
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