Well-Mama Doula Project
Profound maternal health disparities exist in the U.S., including rising rates of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity experienced by women from medically underserved communities. Through a five-year National Institutes of Health grant, the Elevate Lab developed a Well-Mama program for pregnant and postpartum women, centered around Community Doula Navigators conducting in-person and telehealth check-ins on five priority areas (mental health, cardiovascular symptoms, safety, opioid/substance abuse and social support), supplemented with virtual support groups and labor support. A randomized trial is underway in Chicago, Newark and Baton Rouge to evaluate the impact of the Well-Mama program on patient receipt of comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care.