A Digitally Enhanced Model of Peer Doula Support for Substance Use Disorder and Peripartum Care

Over the past two decades, rates of substance use during pregnancy have increased fourfold. Overdose is a leading cause of mortality among patients with perinatal substance use disorders (PSUD). Interventions to address SUD during pregnancy and postpartum are critical to reduce mortality and the impact of SUD-related harms for parents and their infants.

Engagement in SUD and perinatal care can improve outcomes for PSUD and their infants, including reducing the risks of preterm delivery and low birthweight. Rates of adequate prenatal care receipt are low for PSUDs, with one recent study estimating that only an estimated 50% of PSUDs in the United States (US) receive adequate prenatal care. These healthcare disparities also extend to the postpartum period, where PSUDs have a 53% decrease in the odds of attending at least one postpartum obstetric visit, compared to patients without an SUD. PSUDs are also less likely to receive SUD treatment during the year postpartum due to lapses in health insurance. Stigma from health professionals and lack of trust in healthcare providers can prevent PSUD from seeking perinatal health services and SUD treatment. PSUD also report numerous barriers to effectively communicating with healthcare providers and want more evidence-based information about delivery, postpartum health, breastfeeding, and the impact of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) from their healthcare team. Lack of access to healthcare can have devastating consequences, including a return to substance use and increased risk of fatal overdose. Interventions improving engagement with prenatal and postpartum care and SUD treatment are urgently needed.

A growing body of research suggests that doula care may improve engagement in healthcare for patients with behavioral health conditions. A doula is a trained professional who provides comprehensive physical, emotional, and informational support to patients before, during, and/or after childbirth. Doula care has been widely studied, with reviews suggesting that doula support can decrease rates of preterm birth, Cesarean birth, and low birth weight babies.

Doula care promises to directly improve outcomes and care experiences for PSUD. A growing body of literature has studied how doula support may improve outcomes for patients with behavioral health conditions including postpartum depression and SUD. The Illinois Department of Health/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery pilot specifically use peer doulas, who have dual certifications as certified peer support specialists and doulas. Peer doulas with experience in both SUD and perinatal care could be especially beneficial for PSUD and provide guidance in navigating both SUD and perinatal healthcare systems.

Only one known study has enrolled PSUD to examine their experiences with doula care during pregnancy and postpartum. Twenty-three patients with OUD who had engaged with the Philadelphia doula care model were enrolled in a mixed-methods study examining perceptions of engaging with a doula. Participants overwhelmingly reported positive experiences with the doula program, finding the program acceptable and helpful. They appreciated the ability to engage with the doulas through phone, text, video, or in-person in the community. Participants noted that the doulas helped manage their stress and anxiety, while providing critical assistance navigating the healthcare system. Importantly, participants and staff both agreed that doula involvement reduced perceptions of stigma from healthcare providers.