Data Sources for Conducting Research on Doula Services and Related Outcomes

Improving maternal health in the U.S. requires strengthening care and support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Doula services have shown promise in improving maternal and infant outcomes, yet more research is needed to understand these impacts. This report aims to identify data sources for studying doula services, highlight gaps in current data infrastructure, and outline research priorities that could advance patient-centered maternal and infant health outcomes.