The Doula’s Role in Maternal Health: An Ethnographic Study Examining Non-Biomedical Approaches in Alleviating Obstetric Racism

Abstract

The thesis project aims to explore how community doulas utilize non-biomedical approaches in advocating for their clients in and outside of medical spaces. By doing fieldwork with the Children’s Home Society in Trenton, NJ, I was able to do participant observation with doulas, clinicians, and social service providers. I also interviewed them, in addition to a postpartum mother, to gain insight into their respective careers and what they believe Black women desire from the perinatal experience. The overarching question for the paper is: using intersections of race, gender, and relationality, how does the nonmedical approach of doulas demonstrate patient advocacy for women from traditionally underserved populations? Furthermore, how do differences and similarities in care between doulas and clinical providers influence the Black pregnant patient's ability to fulfill their physical, mental, and cultural needs? Through the findings, it was determined that cultivating and strengthening relationships between those involved in the maternal health field is essential to begin envisioning reproductive care that is more equitable and suits the needs of women of color.