Improving trust and support for Black birthing individuals through community doulas

Building TrUst and UNiting Teams Through DouLa partnErship-BUNDLE

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10908689

This study is looking to improve the health and well-being of Black birthing individuals by using community doulas to offer support and help them navigate the healthcare system during pregnancy and childbirth in Milwaukee County.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-10908689 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to address the high rates of mortality and morbidity among Black/African American birthing individuals by building trust in the healthcare system. It focuses on the role of community-based doulas who provide emotional support and advocacy during pregnancy and childbirth. By partnering with the African American Breastfeeding Network, the project seeks to enhance access to healthcare resources and improve maternal health outcomes in Milwaukee County. The approach includes a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are Black/African American pregnant individuals residing in Southeastern Wisconsin.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or do not identify as Black/African American may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce pregnancy-related complications and mortality rates among Black birthing individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community-based interventions can effectively improve maternal health outcomes, indicating a promising approach in this area.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.