Read more about the latest episode of the “Newhouse Impact” podcast and listen to the show.
Doula care can provide both medical and mental health assistance for new and expectant mothers. Such care is often in addition to doctors’ visits and hospital births. Advocates say it leads to better outcomes for both mother and child, but research shows a majority of people don’t know what it is and that it’s available. Newhouse research into Black mothers and doulas adds that if people know about the care, around two-thirds have a favorable view. Better messaging to women, ideally at the point of other health care, could help.
On this episode of Newhouse Impact, Bryce Whitwam, a doctoral candidate at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, shares his examination of the issue. We also hear from SeQuoia Kemp, founder of Doula 4 a Queen, and a trained nurse. They discuss the value of doula care, the cultural barriers it can help ease and why more people don’t know about it.
Whitwam’s research paper, “Delivering Change: The Diffusion of Doula Care in Black American Communities,” was awarded the top student paper in the Health Communication Division by the International Communication Association (ICA) in 2024.