Elizabeth Watson

Walden University, USA

Abstract Title:

A Study of the Impact of Doula Care on Black Birth Outcomes in Baltimore, Maryland

Biography:

Elizabeth Watson began her health career as an EMT in Western Kentucky and completed a certificate in paramedicine from Lenoir Community College in Kinson, NC, through a hybrid program. Since then, she has completed a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration and a Master of Public Health degree and is currently a PhD in Public Health student at Walden University, specializing in Epidemiology.

Research Interests:

This study examines the impact of various maternal factors and continuous labor support on birth outcomes among 124 birthing people in the Baltimore region of Maryland who sought and/or received doula care. The cohort primarily consists of Black birthing people and includes detailed data on maternal age, race, education level, employment status, health insurance status, income level, preexisting health challenges, and pregnancy or delivery related health challenges. The study also explores whether the pregnancy was the birthing persons first, as well as neonatal outcomes such as NICU admission, low birth weight, and other newborn health concerns. Due dates and delivery dates were compared and analyzed where available to provide a comprehensive understanding of the timing of births among the cohort. The findings highlight known correlations between maternal socioeconomic factors, health factors, and adverse birth outcomes; they emphasize the critical role of doula support during the prenatal period and labor and delivery in improving maternal and neonatal health, as well as in providing culturally competent care and positive birth experiences. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence on the benefits of doula care, particularly for marginalized communities, and underscores the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities among Black Birthing persons.