Improving trust and support for Black birthing individuals through community doulas
Official title: Building TrUst and UNiting Teams Through DouLa partnErship-BUNDLE
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10908689 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 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 start | August 17, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $456,871 |
| NIH project number | 5U54HD113408-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10908689 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are Black/African American pregnant individuals residing in Southeastern Wisconsin.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or do not identify as Black/African American may not receive benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olson, Jessica M — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Olson, Jessica M
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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.