The Impact of Doula Support on Maternal Mental Health, Neonatal Outcomes, and Epidural Use: Correlation with Mental Health Inventory-5 and APGAR Scores

The Impact of Doula Support on Maternal Mental Health, Neonatal Outcomes, and Epidural Use: Correlation with Mental Health Inventory-5 and APGAR Scores

Alvin Sherman Library

Maternal and neonatal health disparities disproportionately affect Black and biracial women in underserved communities, with higher rates of mental health challenges and adverse neonatal outcomes. This longitudinal cohort study examines the impact of doula support on maternal mental health, neonatal outcomes, and epidural use during labor. Participants are recruited from the Urban League of Broward County and the Broward Healthy Start Coalition in Florida and divided into two groups: those receiving doula support from 16 weeks of pregnancy to one month postpartum and those receiving standard care. Outcomes are assessed using the Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5) for maternal mental health, APGAR scores for neonatal health, and medical records for epidural usage. Preliminary findings suggest doula-supported pregnancies improve MHI-5 scores, APGAR scores, and reduce epidural reliance. These findings underscore the potential of doula services to address healthcare disparities and inform policies to integrate supportive care into prenatal care.