Preliminary Study on the Need for Birth Doulas among Pregnant Women in Northern Taiwan

Objective: To explore the relationships between demographic variables and prenatal depression factors with the perceived need for birth doulas during delivery among pregnant women in northern Taiwan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from two medical centers in northern Taiwan of representative samples of the pregnant women population (n=340). A self-report questionnaire was administered to gather demographic information and the participants' perceived need for a doula during delivery among pregnant women. In addition, the prenatal depression for labor was also assessed by Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results: The majority of participants (65.3%) reported that doulas would provide skills needed for the care of neonates as well as self-care techniques and physical, psychological, and peer support. Regression analysis revealed that the level of depression during pregnancy for labor was significantly related to the perceived need for a doula during delivery. Every one-point increase in the depression score was associated with a 0.121-point (p=0.023) increase in the perceived need for a doula. Conclusion: There is high need of birth doulas of pregnant women in northern Taiwan. Perceived need for birth doulas is higher among women who are more depressed during pregnancy. The results of this study reveal the necessary to establish the policy of implementation doula system in Taiwan.