Perceptions of social support from pregnant and parenting teens using community-based doulas.

Few studies have examined community-based doula care during the childbearing period. This descriptive study was designed to explore and describe the perceptions of disadvantaged pregnant and parenting teens (N = 24) who received support from culturally matched, community-based doulas. Their reported perceptions included enhanced knowledge about childbearing, support during childbirth, self-care, and early attachment to the newborn. Participants concurred that the community-based doula intervention had a positive impact on their supportive networks. This innovative model can supplement perinatal programs through utilization of culturally sensitive, community-based doulas that provide comprehensive relationship-based caring.