The Experts below are selected from a list of 2130 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Melissa Gilliam - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Integrating Doulas Into First-Trimester Abortion Care: Physician, Clinic Staff, and Doula Experiences.
Journal of midwifery & women's health, 2018Co-Authors: Julie Chor, Phoebe Lyman, Jean Ruth, Ashlesha Patel, Melissa GilliamAbstract:Introduction Balancing the need to provide individual support for patients and the need for an efficient clinic can be challenging in the abortion setting. This study explores physician, staff, and specially trained abortion Doula perspectives on Doula support, one approach to patient support. Methods We conducted separate focus groups with physicians, staff members, and Doulas from a high-volume, first-trimester aspiration abortion clinic with a newly established volunteer abortion Doula program. Focus groups explored 1) abortion Doula training, 2) program implementation, 3) program benefits, and 4) opportunities for improvement. Interviews were transcribed and computer-assisted content analysis was performed; salient findings are presented. Results Five physicians, 5 staff members, and 4 abortion Doulas participated in separate focus group discussions. Doulas drew on both their prior personal skills and experiences in addition to their abortion Doula training to provide women with support at the time of abortion. Having Doulas in the clinic to assist with women's emotional needs allowed physicians and staff to focus on technical aspects of the procedure. In turn, both physicians and staff believed that introducing Doulas resulted in more patient-centered care. Although staff did not experience challenges to integrating Doulas, physicians and Doulas experienced initial challenges in incorporating Doula support into the clinical flow. Staff and Doulas reported exchanging skills and techniques that they subsequently used in their interactions with patients. Discussion Physicians, clinic staff, and Doulas perceive abortion Doula support as an approach to provide more patient-centered care in a high-volume aspiration abortion clinic.
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Women's experiences with Doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion: a qualitative study.
Contraception, 2015Co-Authors: Julie Chor, Phoebe Lyman, Ashlesha Patel, Megan Tusken, Melissa GilliamAbstract:Abstract Objective To explore how Doula support influences women's experiences with first-trimester surgical abortion. Study Design We conducted semistructured interviews with women given the option to receive Doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion in a clinic that uses local anesthesia and does not routinely allow support people to be present during procedures. Dimensions explored included (a) reasons women did or did not choose Doula support; (b) key aspects of the Doula interaction; and (c) future directions for Doula support in abortion care. Interviews were transcribed, and computer-assisted content analysis was performed; salient themes are presented. Results Thirty women were interviewed: 19 received and 11 did not receive Doula support. Reasons to accept Doula support included (a) wanting companionship during the procedure and (b) being concerned about the procedure. Reasons to decline Doula support included (a) a sense of stoicism and desiring privacy or (b) not wanting to add emotion to this event. Women who received Doula support universally reported positive experiences with the verbal and physical techniques used by Doulas during the procedure, and most women who declined Doula support subsequently regretted not having a Doula. Many women endorsed additional roles for Doulas in abortion care, including addressing informational and emotional needs before and after the procedure. Conclusion Women receiving first-trimester surgical abortion in this setting value Doula support at the time of the procedure. This intervention has the potential to be further developed to help women address pre- and postabortion informational and emotional needs. Implications In a setting that does not allow family or friends to be present during the abortion procedure, women highly valued the presence of trained abortion Doulas. This study speaks to the importance of providing support to women during abortion care. Developing a volunteer Doula service is one approach to addressing this need, especially in clinics that otherwise do not permit support people in the procedure room or for women who do not have a support person and desire one.
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Doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion: a randomized controlled trial.
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 2014Co-Authors: Julie Chor, Ashlesha Patel, Brandon J. Hill, S. Martins, Stephanie Q. Mistretta, Melissa GilliamAbstract:Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of Doula support on first-trimester abortion care. Study Design Women were randomized to receive Doula support or routine care during first-trimester surgical abortion. We examined the effect of Doula support on pain during abortion using a 100 mm visual analog scale. The study had the statistical power to detect a 20% difference in mean pain scores. Secondary measures included satisfaction, procedure duration, and patient recommendations regarding Doula support. Results Two hundred fourteen women completed the study: 106 received Doula support, and 108 received routine care. The groups did not differ regarding demographics, gestational age, or medical history. Pain scores in the Doula and control groups did not differ at speculum insertion (38.6 [±26.3 mm] vs 43.6 mm [±25.9 mm], P = .18) or procedure completion (68.2 [±28.0 mm] vs 70.6 mm [±23.5 mm], P = .52). Procedure duration (3.39 [±2.83 min] vs 3.18 min [±2.36 min], P = .55) and patient satisfaction (75.2 [±28.6 mm] vs 74.6 mm [±27.4 mm], P = .89) did not differ between the Doula and control groups. Among women who received Doula support, 96.2% recommended routine Doula support for abortion and 60.4% indicated interest in training as Doulas. Among women who did not receive Doula support, 71.6% of women would have wanted it. Additional clinical staff was needed to provide support for 2.9% of women in the Doula group and 14.7% of controls ( P Conclusion Although Doula support did not have a measurable effect on pain or satisfaction, women overwhelmingly recommended it for routine care. Women receiving Doula support were less likely to require additional clinic support resources. Doula support therefore may address patient psychosocial needs.
Julie Chor - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Integrating Doulas Into First-Trimester Abortion Care: Physician, Clinic Staff, and Doula Experiences.
Journal of midwifery & women's health, 2018Co-Authors: Julie Chor, Phoebe Lyman, Jean Ruth, Ashlesha Patel, Melissa GilliamAbstract:Introduction Balancing the need to provide individual support for patients and the need for an efficient clinic can be challenging in the abortion setting. This study explores physician, staff, and specially trained abortion Doula perspectives on Doula support, one approach to patient support. Methods We conducted separate focus groups with physicians, staff members, and Doulas from a high-volume, first-trimester aspiration abortion clinic with a newly established volunteer abortion Doula program. Focus groups explored 1) abortion Doula training, 2) program implementation, 3) program benefits, and 4) opportunities for improvement. Interviews were transcribed and computer-assisted content analysis was performed; salient findings are presented. Results Five physicians, 5 staff members, and 4 abortion Doulas participated in separate focus group discussions. Doulas drew on both their prior personal skills and experiences in addition to their abortion Doula training to provide women with support at the time of abortion. Having Doulas in the clinic to assist with women's emotional needs allowed physicians and staff to focus on technical aspects of the procedure. In turn, both physicians and staff believed that introducing Doulas resulted in more patient-centered care. Although staff did not experience challenges to integrating Doulas, physicians and Doulas experienced initial challenges in incorporating Doula support into the clinical flow. Staff and Doulas reported exchanging skills and techniques that they subsequently used in their interactions with patients. Discussion Physicians, clinic staff, and Doulas perceive abortion Doula support as an approach to provide more patient-centered care in a high-volume aspiration abortion clinic.
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Women's experiences with Doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion: a qualitative study.
Contraception, 2015Co-Authors: Julie Chor, Phoebe Lyman, Ashlesha Patel, Megan Tusken, Melissa GilliamAbstract:Abstract Objective To explore how Doula support influences women's experiences with first-trimester surgical abortion. Study Design We conducted semistructured interviews with women given the option to receive Doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion in a clinic that uses local anesthesia and does not routinely allow support people to be present during procedures. Dimensions explored included (a) reasons women did or did not choose Doula support; (b) key aspects of the Doula interaction; and (c) future directions for Doula support in abortion care. Interviews were transcribed, and computer-assisted content analysis was performed; salient themes are presented. Results Thirty women were interviewed: 19 received and 11 did not receive Doula support. Reasons to accept Doula support included (a) wanting companionship during the procedure and (b) being concerned about the procedure. Reasons to decline Doula support included (a) a sense of stoicism and desiring privacy or (b) not wanting to add emotion to this event. Women who received Doula support universally reported positive experiences with the verbal and physical techniques used by Doulas during the procedure, and most women who declined Doula support subsequently regretted not having a Doula. Many women endorsed additional roles for Doulas in abortion care, including addressing informational and emotional needs before and after the procedure. Conclusion Women receiving first-trimester surgical abortion in this setting value Doula support at the time of the procedure. This intervention has the potential to be further developed to help women address pre- and postabortion informational and emotional needs. Implications In a setting that does not allow family or friends to be present during the abortion procedure, women highly valued the presence of trained abortion Doulas. This study speaks to the importance of providing support to women during abortion care. Developing a volunteer Doula service is one approach to addressing this need, especially in clinics that otherwise do not permit support people in the procedure room or for women who do not have a support person and desire one.
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Doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion: a randomized controlled trial.
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 2014Co-Authors: Julie Chor, Ashlesha Patel, Brandon J. Hill, S. Martins, Stephanie Q. Mistretta, Melissa GilliamAbstract:Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of Doula support on first-trimester abortion care. Study Design Women were randomized to receive Doula support or routine care during first-trimester surgical abortion. We examined the effect of Doula support on pain during abortion using a 100 mm visual analog scale. The study had the statistical power to detect a 20% difference in mean pain scores. Secondary measures included satisfaction, procedure duration, and patient recommendations regarding Doula support. Results Two hundred fourteen women completed the study: 106 received Doula support, and 108 received routine care. The groups did not differ regarding demographics, gestational age, or medical history. Pain scores in the Doula and control groups did not differ at speculum insertion (38.6 [±26.3 mm] vs 43.6 mm [±25.9 mm], P = .18) or procedure completion (68.2 [±28.0 mm] vs 70.6 mm [±23.5 mm], P = .52). Procedure duration (3.39 [±2.83 min] vs 3.18 min [±2.36 min], P = .55) and patient satisfaction (75.2 [±28.6 mm] vs 74.6 mm [±27.4 mm], P = .89) did not differ between the Doula and control groups. Among women who received Doula support, 96.2% recommended routine Doula support for abortion and 60.4% indicated interest in training as Doulas. Among women who did not receive Doula support, 71.6% of women would have wanted it. Additional clinical staff was needed to provide support for 2.9% of women in the Doula group and 14.7% of controls ( P Conclusion Although Doula support did not have a measurable effect on pain or satisfaction, women overwhelmingly recommended it for routine care. Women receiving Doula support were less likely to require additional clinic support resources. Doula support therefore may address patient psychosocial needs.
Ashlesha Patel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Integrating Doulas Into First-Trimester Abortion Care: Physician, Clinic Staff, and Doula Experiences.
Journal of midwifery & women's health, 2018Co-Authors: Julie Chor, Phoebe Lyman, Jean Ruth, Ashlesha Patel, Melissa GilliamAbstract:Introduction Balancing the need to provide individual support for patients and the need for an efficient clinic can be challenging in the abortion setting. This study explores physician, staff, and specially trained abortion Doula perspectives on Doula support, one approach to patient support. Methods We conducted separate focus groups with physicians, staff members, and Doulas from a high-volume, first-trimester aspiration abortion clinic with a newly established volunteer abortion Doula program. Focus groups explored 1) abortion Doula training, 2) program implementation, 3) program benefits, and 4) opportunities for improvement. Interviews were transcribed and computer-assisted content analysis was performed; salient findings are presented. Results Five physicians, 5 staff members, and 4 abortion Doulas participated in separate focus group discussions. Doulas drew on both their prior personal skills and experiences in addition to their abortion Doula training to provide women with support at the time of abortion. Having Doulas in the clinic to assist with women's emotional needs allowed physicians and staff to focus on technical aspects of the procedure. In turn, both physicians and staff believed that introducing Doulas resulted in more patient-centered care. Although staff did not experience challenges to integrating Doulas, physicians and Doulas experienced initial challenges in incorporating Doula support into the clinical flow. Staff and Doulas reported exchanging skills and techniques that they subsequently used in their interactions with patients. Discussion Physicians, clinic staff, and Doulas perceive abortion Doula support as an approach to provide more patient-centered care in a high-volume aspiration abortion clinic.
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Women's experiences with Doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion: a qualitative study.
Contraception, 2015Co-Authors: Julie Chor, Phoebe Lyman, Ashlesha Patel, Megan Tusken, Melissa GilliamAbstract:Abstract Objective To explore how Doula support influences women's experiences with first-trimester surgical abortion. Study Design We conducted semistructured interviews with women given the option to receive Doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion in a clinic that uses local anesthesia and does not routinely allow support people to be present during procedures. Dimensions explored included (a) reasons women did or did not choose Doula support; (b) key aspects of the Doula interaction; and (c) future directions for Doula support in abortion care. Interviews were transcribed, and computer-assisted content analysis was performed; salient themes are presented. Results Thirty women were interviewed: 19 received and 11 did not receive Doula support. Reasons to accept Doula support included (a) wanting companionship during the procedure and (b) being concerned about the procedure. Reasons to decline Doula support included (a) a sense of stoicism and desiring privacy or (b) not wanting to add emotion to this event. Women who received Doula support universally reported positive experiences with the verbal and physical techniques used by Doulas during the procedure, and most women who declined Doula support subsequently regretted not having a Doula. Many women endorsed additional roles for Doulas in abortion care, including addressing informational and emotional needs before and after the procedure. Conclusion Women receiving first-trimester surgical abortion in this setting value Doula support at the time of the procedure. This intervention has the potential to be further developed to help women address pre- and postabortion informational and emotional needs. Implications In a setting that does not allow family or friends to be present during the abortion procedure, women highly valued the presence of trained abortion Doulas. This study speaks to the importance of providing support to women during abortion care. Developing a volunteer Doula service is one approach to addressing this need, especially in clinics that otherwise do not permit support people in the procedure room or for women who do not have a support person and desire one.
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Doula support during first-trimester surgical abortion: a randomized controlled trial.
American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 2014Co-Authors: Julie Chor, Ashlesha Patel, Brandon J. Hill, S. Martins, Stephanie Q. Mistretta, Melissa GilliamAbstract:Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of Doula support on first-trimester abortion care. Study Design Women were randomized to receive Doula support or routine care during first-trimester surgical abortion. We examined the effect of Doula support on pain during abortion using a 100 mm visual analog scale. The study had the statistical power to detect a 20% difference in mean pain scores. Secondary measures included satisfaction, procedure duration, and patient recommendations regarding Doula support. Results Two hundred fourteen women completed the study: 106 received Doula support, and 108 received routine care. The groups did not differ regarding demographics, gestational age, or medical history. Pain scores in the Doula and control groups did not differ at speculum insertion (38.6 [±26.3 mm] vs 43.6 mm [±25.9 mm], P = .18) or procedure completion (68.2 [±28.0 mm] vs 70.6 mm [±23.5 mm], P = .52). Procedure duration (3.39 [±2.83 min] vs 3.18 min [±2.36 min], P = .55) and patient satisfaction (75.2 [±28.6 mm] vs 74.6 mm [±27.4 mm], P = .89) did not differ between the Doula and control groups. Among women who received Doula support, 96.2% recommended routine Doula support for abortion and 60.4% indicated interest in training as Doulas. Among women who did not receive Doula support, 71.6% of women would have wanted it. Additional clinical staff was needed to provide support for 2.9% of women in the Doula group and 14.7% of controls ( P Conclusion Although Doula support did not have a measurable effect on pain or satisfaction, women overwhelmingly recommended it for routine care. Women receiving Doula support were less likely to require additional clinic support resources. Doula support therefore may address patient psychosocial needs.
Jenny Mcleish - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Being the best person that they can be and the best mum": a qualitative study of community volunteer Doula support for disadvantaged mothers before and after birth in England.
BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2019Co-Authors: Jenny Mcleish, Maggie RedshawAbstract:Disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers are at increased risk of psychosocial stress, anxiety and depression. As well as affecting birth outcomes and child development, poor maternal emotional wellbeing can inhibit the development of parenting self-efficacy and successful adjustment to the maternal role. Social support is a protective factor against antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety and stress, and improves mothers’ confidence in infant care. Community Doula programmes have been developed to meet the social support and information needs of disadvantaged women. In these programmes trained volunteer Doulas support mothers during pregnancy, at birth and for a short period postnatally. This was a descriptive qualitative study, informed by phenomenological social psychology, exploring mothers’ and Doulas’ experiences of antenatal and postnatal community Doula support. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 13 disadvantaged mothers and 19 Doulas at three community volunteer Doula projects in England. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The overarching theme emerging from the analysis was “Supporting the mother to succeed and flourish”. There were five subthemes: “Overcoming stress, anxiety and unhappiness”, “Becoming knowledgeable and skilful”, “Developing self-esteem and self-efficacy”, “Using services effectively”, and “Becoming locally connected”. Doulas believed that their community role was at least as important as their role at births. Their support was highly valued by vulnerable mothers and helped to improve their parenting confidence and skills. Volunteer Doula support before and after birth can have a positive impact on maternal emotional wellbeing, by reducing anxiety, unhappiness and stress, and increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy. Doulas help mothers feel more knowledgeable and skilful, support them to make effective use of maternity services, and enable them to build social ties in their community. To facilitate the best service for vulnerable mothers at the end of Doula support, Doula projects should consider formalising their relationship with other community organisations that can offer ongoing one-to-one or group support. They might also alleviate some of the potential distress caused by the ending of the Doula relationship by increasing the flexibility of the ending, or by organising or permitting informal low level contact.
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“Being the best person that they can be and the best mum”: a qualitative study of community volunteer Doula support for disadvantaged mothers before and after birth in England
BMC, 2019Co-Authors: Jenny Mcleish, Maggie RedshawAbstract:Abstract Background Disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers are at increased risk of psychosocial stress, anxiety and depression. As well as affecting birth outcomes and child development, poor maternal emotional wellbeing can inhibit the development of parenting self-efficacy and successful adjustment to the maternal role. Social support is a protective factor against antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety and stress, and improves mothers’ confidence in infant care. Community Doula programmes have been developed to meet the social support and information needs of disadvantaged women. In these programmes trained volunteer Doulas support mothers during pregnancy, at birth and for a short period postnatally. Methods This was a descriptive qualitative study, informed by phenomenological social psychology, exploring mothers’ and Doulas’ experiences of antenatal and postnatal community Doula support. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 13 disadvantaged mothers and 19 Doulas at three community volunteer Doula projects in England. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results The overarching theme emerging from the analysis was “Supporting the mother to succeed and flourish”. There were five subthemes: “Overcoming stress, anxiety and unhappiness”, “Becoming knowledgeable and skilful”, “Developing self-esteem and self-efficacy”, “Using services effectively”, and “Becoming locally connected”. Doulas believed that their community role was at least as important as their role at births. Their support was highly valued by vulnerable mothers and helped to improve their parenting confidence and skills. Conclusions Volunteer Doula support before and after birth can have a positive impact on maternal emotional wellbeing, by reducing anxiety, unhappiness and stress, and increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy. Doulas help mothers feel more knowledgeable and skilful, support them to make effective use of maternity services, and enable them to build social ties in their community. To facilitate the best service for vulnerable mothers at the end of Doula support, Doula projects should consider formalising their relationship with other community organisations that can offer ongoing one-to-one or group support. They might also alleviate some of the potential distress caused by the ending of the Doula relationship by increasing the flexibility of the ending, or by organising or permitting informal low level contact
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Additional file 1: of âBeing the best person that they can be and the best mumâ: a qualitative study of community volunteer Doula support for disadvantaged mothers before and after birth in England
2019Co-Authors: Jenny Mcleish, Maggie RedshawAbstract:Topic guide v5 Doula support - Doulas.docx. Interview topic guide for volunteer Doulas providing community support who were interviewed (DOCX 46 kb
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a qualitative study of volunteer Doulas working alongside midwives at births in england mothers and Doulas experiences
Midwifery, 2018Co-Authors: Jenny Mcleish, Maggie RedshawAbstract:Abstract Objective to explore trained volunteer Doulas' and mothers' experiences of Doula support at birth and their perceptions of how this related to the midwife's role. Design a qualitative descriptive study, informed by phenomenological social psychology. Methods semi-structured interviews were carried out between June 2015 and March 2016. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Setting three community volunteer Doula projects run by third sector organisations in England. Participants 19 volunteer Doulas and 16 mothers who had received Doula support during labour. Findings three overarching themes emerged: (1) ‘the Doula as complementary to midwives', containing subthemes ‘skilled physical and emotional support', ‘continuous presence', ‘woman-centred support', ‘ensuring mothers understand and are understood' and ‘creating a team for the mother' ; (2)‘the Doula as a colleague to midwives', containing subthemes ‘welcomed as a partner', ‘co-opted to help the midwives', and ‘Doulas identify with the midwives'; and (3) ‘the Doula as challenge to midwives', containing subthemes ‘ confusion about the Doula's role', ‘defending informed choice', and ‘counterbalancing disempowering treatment'. Key conclusions&implications for practice volunteer Doulas can play an important role in improving women's birth experiences by offering continuous, empowering, woman-focused support that complements the role of midwives, particularly where the mothers are disadvantaged. Greater clarity is needed about the scope of legitimate volunteer Doula advocacy on behalf of their clients, to maximise effective working relationships between midwives and Doulas.
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the greatest feeling you get knowing you have made a big difference survey findings on the motivation and experiences of trained volunteer Doulas in england
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2016Co-Authors: Helen Spiby, Jenny Mcleish, Josephine M Green, Zoe DarwinAbstract:Background Support from a Doula is known to have physical and emotional benefits for mothers, but there is little evidence about the experiences of volunteer Doulas. This research aimed to understand the motivation and experiences of volunteer Doulas who have been trained to support women during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period.
Maggie Redshaw - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Being the best person that they can be and the best mum": a qualitative study of community volunteer Doula support for disadvantaged mothers before and after birth in England.
BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2019Co-Authors: Jenny Mcleish, Maggie RedshawAbstract:Disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers are at increased risk of psychosocial stress, anxiety and depression. As well as affecting birth outcomes and child development, poor maternal emotional wellbeing can inhibit the development of parenting self-efficacy and successful adjustment to the maternal role. Social support is a protective factor against antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety and stress, and improves mothers’ confidence in infant care. Community Doula programmes have been developed to meet the social support and information needs of disadvantaged women. In these programmes trained volunteer Doulas support mothers during pregnancy, at birth and for a short period postnatally. This was a descriptive qualitative study, informed by phenomenological social psychology, exploring mothers’ and Doulas’ experiences of antenatal and postnatal community Doula support. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 13 disadvantaged mothers and 19 Doulas at three community volunteer Doula projects in England. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The overarching theme emerging from the analysis was “Supporting the mother to succeed and flourish”. There were five subthemes: “Overcoming stress, anxiety and unhappiness”, “Becoming knowledgeable and skilful”, “Developing self-esteem and self-efficacy”, “Using services effectively”, and “Becoming locally connected”. Doulas believed that their community role was at least as important as their role at births. Their support was highly valued by vulnerable mothers and helped to improve their parenting confidence and skills. Volunteer Doula support before and after birth can have a positive impact on maternal emotional wellbeing, by reducing anxiety, unhappiness and stress, and increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy. Doulas help mothers feel more knowledgeable and skilful, support them to make effective use of maternity services, and enable them to build social ties in their community. To facilitate the best service for vulnerable mothers at the end of Doula support, Doula projects should consider formalising their relationship with other community organisations that can offer ongoing one-to-one or group support. They might also alleviate some of the potential distress caused by the ending of the Doula relationship by increasing the flexibility of the ending, or by organising or permitting informal low level contact.
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“Being the best person that they can be and the best mum”: a qualitative study of community volunteer Doula support for disadvantaged mothers before and after birth in England
BMC, 2019Co-Authors: Jenny Mcleish, Maggie RedshawAbstract:Abstract Background Disadvantaged pregnant women and new mothers are at increased risk of psychosocial stress, anxiety and depression. As well as affecting birth outcomes and child development, poor maternal emotional wellbeing can inhibit the development of parenting self-efficacy and successful adjustment to the maternal role. Social support is a protective factor against antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety and stress, and improves mothers’ confidence in infant care. Community Doula programmes have been developed to meet the social support and information needs of disadvantaged women. In these programmes trained volunteer Doulas support mothers during pregnancy, at birth and for a short period postnatally. Methods This was a descriptive qualitative study, informed by phenomenological social psychology, exploring mothers’ and Doulas’ experiences of antenatal and postnatal community Doula support. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 13 disadvantaged mothers and 19 Doulas at three community volunteer Doula projects in England. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results The overarching theme emerging from the analysis was “Supporting the mother to succeed and flourish”. There were five subthemes: “Overcoming stress, anxiety and unhappiness”, “Becoming knowledgeable and skilful”, “Developing self-esteem and self-efficacy”, “Using services effectively”, and “Becoming locally connected”. Doulas believed that their community role was at least as important as their role at births. Their support was highly valued by vulnerable mothers and helped to improve their parenting confidence and skills. Conclusions Volunteer Doula support before and after birth can have a positive impact on maternal emotional wellbeing, by reducing anxiety, unhappiness and stress, and increasing self-esteem and self-efficacy. Doulas help mothers feel more knowledgeable and skilful, support them to make effective use of maternity services, and enable them to build social ties in their community. To facilitate the best service for vulnerable mothers at the end of Doula support, Doula projects should consider formalising their relationship with other community organisations that can offer ongoing one-to-one or group support. They might also alleviate some of the potential distress caused by the ending of the Doula relationship by increasing the flexibility of the ending, or by organising or permitting informal low level contact
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Additional file 1: of âBeing the best person that they can be and the best mumâ: a qualitative study of community volunteer Doula support for disadvantaged mothers before and after birth in England
2019Co-Authors: Jenny Mcleish, Maggie RedshawAbstract:Topic guide v5 Doula support - Doulas.docx. Interview topic guide for volunteer Doulas providing community support who were interviewed (DOCX 46 kb
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a qualitative study of volunteer Doulas working alongside midwives at births in england mothers and Doulas experiences
Midwifery, 2018Co-Authors: Jenny Mcleish, Maggie RedshawAbstract:Abstract Objective to explore trained volunteer Doulas' and mothers' experiences of Doula support at birth and their perceptions of how this related to the midwife's role. Design a qualitative descriptive study, informed by phenomenological social psychology. Methods semi-structured interviews were carried out between June 2015 and March 2016. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Setting three community volunteer Doula projects run by third sector organisations in England. Participants 19 volunteer Doulas and 16 mothers who had received Doula support during labour. Findings three overarching themes emerged: (1) ‘the Doula as complementary to midwives', containing subthemes ‘skilled physical and emotional support', ‘continuous presence', ‘woman-centred support', ‘ensuring mothers understand and are understood' and ‘creating a team for the mother' ; (2)‘the Doula as a colleague to midwives', containing subthemes ‘welcomed as a partner', ‘co-opted to help the midwives', and ‘Doulas identify with the midwives'; and (3) ‘the Doula as challenge to midwives', containing subthemes ‘ confusion about the Doula's role', ‘defending informed choice', and ‘counterbalancing disempowering treatment'. Key conclusions&implications for practice volunteer Doulas can play an important role in improving women's birth experiences by offering continuous, empowering, woman-focused support that complements the role of midwives, particularly where the mothers are disadvantaged. Greater clarity is needed about the scope of legitimate volunteer Doula advocacy on behalf of their clients, to maximise effective working relationships between midwives and Doulas.