The Impact of Virtual Doula Services on Birth Outcomes in Rural Communities

This study will assess the impact of virtual doula care on birth and postnatal outcomes among rural mothers. The goal of virtual doula services is to improve access to care in underserved communities and decrease urban-rural differences in key maternal health outcomes including mode of birth (cesarean vs vaginal) and birth satisfaction. By implementing a digital randomized controlled trial, the study team will efficiently recruit a national sample of rural pregnant women to provide evidence of the effectiveness of virtual doula care, the appropriateness of virtual visits for different care and support needs, and the role of virtual care in improving maternal health.

Inclusion Criteria: * 18-45 years of age * pregnant (second or early third trimester) with their first child * reside in a rural zip codes in the U.S. Exclusion Criteria: * non-singleton pregnancy * police custody or incarceration * infant to be separated from mother (e.g., placed for adoption, protective custody) * working with a doula prior to enrollment.