I found a study in The Journal of Perinatal Education titled “Understanding Factors that Influence Adolescent Mothers’ Doula Use: A Qualitative Study” by Dr. Sheryl Coley and Dr. Tracy R. Nichols. The study is primary literature and is peer-reviewed.

The article explained a study that was done in order to understand why adolescent women chose to have a doula present at the birth of their child. The research question was asking what factors women report to influence their decision to have a doula present when they give birth to their children. The 20 adolescent women who were a part of the study were  nineteen-years-old or younger at the Young Women’s Christian Association. There were also 6 practicing doulas who were a part of the study. The type of data needed was deep opinions and attitudes. The data was gathered through interviews, focus groups, and field observations. At the end of the study, the data was coded in order to review all answers and observations. The results helped the researchers understand factors that influenced doula use, and also reasons why women are against the use of a doula. The young expecting-mothers appreciated that the doula was there for them through every step of their pregnancy, and even after it. The main conclusion of the study was that since doulas create such a strong relationship with their clients during and after pregnancy, young mothers are more likely to be in favor of hiring them.

The Young Women’s Christian Association in the area where the study was conducted has programs for expecting mothers where they meet and talk to doulas in order to be fully informed about the different options that they have. I really appreciate that these young women were presented with the option of having a doula present at the birth of their children because many women are unaware of the options that they have. I think it is really important for women to know all of their childbirth options before they make a decision so that they can hopefully have the best experience possible.

Citation:

Coley, Sheryl L., DrP.H. and Tracy R. Nichols PhD. 2016. “Understanding Factors that Influence Adolescent Mothers’ Doula use: A Qualitative Study.” The Journal of Perinatal Education 25(1):46-55 (http://ezproxy.redlands.edu/docview/1805376631?accountid=14729). doi: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.redlands.edu/10.1891/1058-1243.25.1.46.