Peer doula support training for Black and Indigenous groups in Nova Scotia, Canada: A community-based qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives The objectives of this qualitative study were to explore participant experiences of doula training programs offered by a prisoner health advocacy organization and Indigenous and Black community groups.

Design This investigation employed a qualitative design. Recruitment was conducted through email. Interviews were conducted in Winter 2020. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Sample A total of 12 participants were recruited to participate in this study. Six participants identify as Black and six identify as Indigenous. All participants identify as women.

Measurements Qualitative interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to elicit a breadth of information.

Results Key themes included training experiences, training improvements and ‘‘bridging the gap’’. The training validated participants’ experiences of birth and began to address the exclusion of Black and Indigenous people from birth work. However, participants expressed concerns about not being adequately positioned for sustained participation in birth work.

Conclusions Participants expressed receiving great value from the training programs. These trainings, which were fully subsidized, removed a financial barrier. However, these trainings do not address the exclusion of Black and Indigenous people from perinatal work or the lack or sustainable support systems for Black and Indigenous communities. This study makes several recommendations for future interventions.