Doulas could Improve Foreign-Born Women’s Perinatal and Postpartum Satisfaction and Increase Health Providers’ Cultural Competency in a Multicultural Urban Area of the United States.

Author

Crystal Kazik, Clark UniversityFollow

Date of Award

5-2016

Degree Type

Research Paper

Degree Name

Master of Arts in International Development and Social Change (IDSC)

Department

International Development, Community and Environment

Chief Instructor

Marianne Sarkis

Second Reader

David Bell

Keywords

doulas, Birth Sisters, Boston Medical Center, cultural competency, foreign born women's pregnancy and postpartum experience

Abstract

Doulas act as a cultural bridge between clients and providers through the support, advocacy, and education they provide. Unfortunately, migrant women may be at a disadvantage for accessing and benefiting from their services due to a variety of socioeconomic and cultural factors including predisposed ideas of care and structure based on experiences in native countries, language barriers, lower health literacy, and a lack of awareness and understanding from hospital/clinic staff.

A strategic multifaceted approach utilizing doulas, such as Boston Medical Center’s collaborative and culturally competent model, may greatly improve foreign-born women’s experience and satisfaction with healthcare when pregnant and giving birth in the United States.

Recommended Citation

Kazik, Crystal, "Doulas could Improve Foreign-Born Women’s Perinatal and Postpartum Satisfaction and Increase Health Providers’ Cultural Competency in a Multicultural Urban Area of the United States." (2016). International Development, Community and Environment (IDCE). 68.
https://commons.clarku.edu/idce_masters_papers/68