Developing the Doula Workforce to Improve Maternal Health Outcomes in Rural Settings

In this workshop, we will describe current programs and research being conducted under the umbrella of the Montana Obstetrics and Maternal Support Program (MOMS). Doula principal investigator Jessica Liddell will describe the findings from qualitative research exploring the use of recovery doulas to address the needs of perinatal people in recovery, and the use of doulas trained in providing support for people experiencing PMADs, in addition to findings from systematic reviews assessing the current evidence base and best practices in using doulas in rural settings, for people in recovery, and for people experiencing PMADs. Program manager Amanda Eby will present the perspective of the state department of public health and how the doula workforce development relates to other statewide maternal health initiatives. MOMS PI Annie Glover will describe the health services research perspective and the role of the HRSA MHI grant.