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Doula care could help expectant and new mothers - if more knew about it

Newhouse Impact: Showcasing the research and creative activity of the faculty and students at the Newhouse School
Newhouse School

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 by the International Communication Association (ICA) in 2024. Music for this episode is Slow Epic by Lite Saturation, from Free Music Archive under license.

Chris Bolt, Ed.D. has proudly been covering the Central New York community and mentoring students for more than 30 years. His career in public media started as a student volunteer, then as a reporter/producer. He has been the news director for WAER since 1995. Dedicated to keeping local news coverage alive, Chris also has a passion for education, having trained, mentored and provided a platform for growth to more than a thousand students. Career highlights include having work appear on NPR, CBS, ABC and other news networks, winning numerous local and state journalism awards.