Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Primary Major
Nursing
Primary Minor
Community Action and Social Change
Thesis Advisor
Andrea Boyle, PhD, FNAP, ANP
Abstract
Background: Doulas are non-medically trained professionals that support women throughout their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. During labor, doulas may assist in nonpharmacological pain management techniques such as counter-pressure, massage, breathing exercises, and other relaxation methods. In the literature review of this study, doulas have been shown to increase positive health outcomes such as preventing cesarean sections and preterm labor. Despite improving health outcomes, doula support is not commonly used in the United States. It is currently unknown if doula support is effective in reducing pain for laboring mothers. Purpose: This study is focused on accomplishing improved pain management and overall patient care in order to achieve a positive labor experience for mothers during their hospital admission. Method: This descriptive exploratory study will follow a qualitative approach. Qualitative individual interviews will be conducted with mothers who have given birth with doula support. Data Collection and Analysis: Data will be collected from five to ten mothers who have given birth in the past year utilizing nonpharmacological pain management techniques provided by a doula at the time of labor. Content analysis of the qualitative interviews will look for connections between words used to describe the mothers labor experience. Conclusion: This study may contribute to important insight into the role of doula support and nonpharmacological pain management during labor and delivery. Future research may focus on what types of nonpharmacological pain management techniques are most effective.