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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Kimberley Broomfield, MA, Psychology, Georgia State University, 2976 Parc Lorraine Cir., Lithonia, GA 30038, 770-987-4043, kbroomfield@gsu.edu and Rachel Abramson, RN, MS, IBCLC, Chicago Health Connection, 954 W. Washington, Box 36, Chicago, IL 60607.

Research shows that the time immediately surrounding labor and delivery is a critical period in the development of a young family. Women in difficult circumstances (adolescents, women experiencing violence, women in low-income communities) are particularly vulnerable during this period, but may also be open during this time to interventions which support their new roles and competencies. Programs which use doulas for support in childbirth have demonstrated fewer labor and delivery complications, fewer medical interventions, and increased well-being for both mothers and babies.

The Chicago Doula Project, a four-year collaborative pilot project conducted by Chicago Health Connection and partner organizations from 1996-2000 in Chicago, established the feasibility and effectiveness of the community-based doula model in three grassroots settings serving teen parents from low-income communities. Outcomes from the project documented decreased medical intervention at birth, improved parent-infant interaction, and dramatically increased breastfeeding rates. CHC has been replicating the model through its Harris Doula Institute since the pilot ended, and presently partners with nineteen replication sites in seven states.

The Healthy Beginnings Program, one of the earliest replication sites, began providing pregnancy, birth and postpartum doula services to teen parents in Atlanta, Georgia, in December, 2002. Program objectives were identified with a logic model developed before implementation of the program. Outcomes after three years support findings from the original pilot project in Chicago, and additional outcomes, including low rates of low birth weight, high usage of family planning methods, and the use of activities to promote mother-child bonding.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to define the role of a doula and the role of a community-based doula.
• Participants will be able to list 3 essential principles of the community-based doula model.
• Participants will be able to describe three positive program outcomes for the Healthy Beginnings community-based doula replication program.

Keywords: Maternal and Child Health, Birth Outcomes

Related Web page: www.chicagohealthconnection.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.pdf format, 62.9 kb)