GLOVER: MOMS: Exploring the use of Recovery Doulas to Improve Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes in Montana
Project Description:
The Montana Obstetrics and Maternal Support (MOMS) program housed at Billings Clinic has been involved in a variety of projects aimed at expanding and exploring the use of doulas to address maternal health needs in Montana. One of these projects has focused on the use of recovery doulas to address the needs of people in recovery for substance use throughout the perinatal time period through a partnership with One Health and Tree of Life Doula Services to train recovery doulas. Doulas are also being trained through an Indigenous doula training program, Zaagi'idiwin. Two cohorts of doulas have been trained in this program and additional trainings are set to occur this next year. Doulas will also be trained through DONA International in 2023. The Rural Institute will evaluate the success of these doula programs.
A qualitative project exploring the use of recovery doulas is also underway. In this project, maternal and mental healthcare providers, doulas, and people in recovery have been interviewed to explore their experiences and the needs of people in recovery, and how doulas may potentially address existing gaps in care. A similar project exploring the use of doulas to improve perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) outcomes for people in Montana is also starting.
Systematic literature reviews investigating the use of doulas in rural contexts, to address perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, to address substance use disorders, and with Indigenous groups have also been conducted to develop recommendations and best practices for each of these populations. An economic analysis exploring the economic impacts of incorporating doulas into maternal care is also underway.
The Rural Institute is evaluating the program.
Keyword(s):
Doula, maternal
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Health-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Family Members/Caregivers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
