Doula partnerships to build trust and support for Black pregnant people
Building TrUst and UNiting Teams Through DouLa partnErship-BUNDLE
This program pairs community doulas with Black pregnant people in southeastern Wisconsin to build trust with healthcare teams and support healthier pregnancies and births.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137765 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you would be matched with a community-based doula from the African American Breastfeeding Network who provides advocacy, emotional support, and help navigating prenatal care. Participants are enrolled early in pregnancy and the program compares two different care approaches using a randomized two-arm design. The team is working with local hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee County so much of the contact may be in-person and through community visits. The goal is to reduce medical mistrust and improve maternal and infant outcomes for Black birthing people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Black or African American pregnant people in the Milwaukee/Southeastern Wisconsin area, ideally enrolled in the first trimester and willing to work with a community doula, are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People who are not Black/African American, live outside the study area, or enroll late in pregnancy may not be eligible or receive the intended benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase trust in care, improve birth experiences, and reduce pregnancy-related complications and deaths among Black women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows doula support can improve birth outcomes and patient satisfaction, though trials specifically targeting medical mistrust in Black communities are fewer.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olson, Jessica M — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Olson, Jessica M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.