Informing
Here you will find our research alongside resources useful for doulas, healthcare professionals and for those considering doula support for themselves or their loved ones.
EDN Surveys
The European Doula Network is committed to evidence-based learning and regularly conducts surveys to improve understanding of the role and situation of doulas and the clients they serve.
As a follow up to our 2023 pilot study, our survey team has created a new version to be shared globally with healthcare professionals, including doctors, midwives, nurses, perinatal psychologists and related specialists.
If you have worked with a doula, please share your observations and recommendations:
Poster created by Pilar Izquierdo, presenting responses from EU midwives to the Feedback on Doula Support Pilot study (2023).
Presentation at ECIC on Saturday 29 March at 4.50pm in the Poster area.
NOTE: The EDN has not received any compensation for including links to websites on the resource lists, and has no material connection to the products, services, or brands that are included.
Although we look to always include reputable organisations and evidence-based research, the information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute advice or recommendations, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.
EDN Studies and Research
- Two Doula Surveys (600+ responses) before and during the pandemic (EDN Doula Survey 2020/2023); data used for doula training and professionalisation.
- "Feedback on Doula Support" 2023 pilot study (collaboration with DONA International and ICEA) surveyed 244 medical professionals in Europe and the Americas; plan to scale-up.
- Postpartum Experience of Mothers in Europe survey (2024) received 800+ responses; results to be used in a summit to improve maternal mental health and wellbeing.
EDN has been Invited to publish articles, present at conferences, and collaborate with perinatal professionals. EDN representatives will be attending five international perinatal conferences in 2025 and have submitted abstracts for research presentations.
Research Papers and Studies on Doula Support
In 2023, the EDN and ICEA collaborated to create a single resource with links to 42 research papers giving evidence for doula support dating from the 1999-2023. This document was made available to medical professionals attending FIGO XXIV World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Paris and Midwifery Today, Bad Wildbad, Germany.
- Cochrane Report - Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth (2017)
- Cochrane Report - Perceptions and experiences of labour companionship: a qualitative evidence synthesis (2019)
- World Health Organisation - Policy Brief: Companion of choice during labour and childbirth for improved quality of care (2020)
- World Health Organisation - WHO recommendations: intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience (2018)
- Historical Research into (western) pregnancy and childbirth
Films and Books about doulas and their work
Films
- Active Birth: Your Guide to Nature's Plan
- Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm Midwives
- Doula!
- Freedom for Birth
- Mamíferas (Spanish)
- Microbirth
- Orgasmic Birth!
- Una Historia del Rebozo (Spanish)
- O Renascimento do Parto (Portuguese)
- The Birth of Reborn 3
- The Business of Being Born
- United for Birth (EDN)
Books
- Doulas: A collection of articles from Midwifery Today magazine
- Doulas in Italy: The Emergence of a 'New' Care Profession, (2022), Pamela Pasian, Routledge
Authors/Speakers
- Betty-Anne Daviss
- Debra Pascali-Bonaro
- Elizabeth Davis
- Frédérick Leboyer
- Grantly Dick-Read
- Ibu Robin Lim
- Ina May Gaskin
- Janet Balaskas
- John H. Kennell
- Marshall and Phyllis Klaus
- Michel Odent
- Milli Hill
- Naoli Vinaver
- Penny Simkin
- Robbie Davis-Floyd
- Sheila Kitzinger
Books by EDN doulas
- À l’écoute de la naissance, Leslie Lucien, Alice Wietzel, 2021, (French)
- Devenir mère, Amandine Lagarde, Yanick Revel, 2022, (French)
- Devenir mère, Elsa Elsa Guedj Uzan, 2022, (French)
- Honour Your Postpartum: The Postpartum is for EVERY womb that has carried life, Naomie Karemi Kaingu, 2022, (English)
- How You Were Born, Vlasta Jirásková, 2021, (Czech, English)
- Si j’avais su… De doulas à parents, 2020, Julia Bassis, Aline Gosse, (French)
Useful Links (European and International)
- Evidence Based Birth
- WHO - World Health Organisation
- ICI - International Childbirth Initiative
- AIMS - Association for Improving Maternity Services
- United Nations Women: The Virtual Knowledge Centre to End Violence against Women and Girls
- Human Rights in Childbirth - Legal
- Birthrights - Human Rights Facts and Training, UK
- Birthright - Unplanned Pregnancy, Canada/USA/Africa
- ENCA - European Network of Childbirth Associations
- Hypnobirthing - Mongan, KGH, Wise Hippo
Refugee/Vulnerable People Support in Europe
- Onedu - Migrant Birth Kit and Health Professional Kit/Training
- UN Migrant Resources
- Amurtel - Greece
- Doula och kulturtolk (Sweden)
- Doula Solidarity and Support Hub (EDN, Europe)
- Doulas Without Borders (EDN Members)
EDN in the Press
EDN initiated a world first collaboration between international doula organisations at
FIGO XXIV World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
You can read about it from our partners, DONA International.
Doula International, Volume 31, Issue 4
A wonderful special issue focusing on Doulas and re-imagining birth
featuring the European Doula Network.
International Journal of Birth and Parent Education, Volume 11, Issue 4
EDN created a pilot study asking for Feedback on Doula Support from health professionals. Read about the preliminary results:
Doula International, Volume 32, Issue 1
The European Doula Network (EDN) has grown significantly since its humble beginnings around kitchen tables some twenty years ago and now represents approximately 5,000 doulas who provide non-medical support during childbirth and other life transitions. Doulas play a crucial role in offering emotional and informational support to the Mother-Baby dyad and to people in minority groups and
marginalised communities who may encounter difficulties receiving much needed holistic care.
The Network is dedicated to raising awareness about the positive impact of doula care, promoting the inclusion of doulas in healthcare settings and advocating for doulas facing professional challenges. The EDN regularly conducts research to better understand the evolving needs of doulas and their clients, ensuring continuous improvement in doula practices. The Network’s annual meetings and many initiatives provide opportunities for doulas to connect, share experiences, and support each other, enhancing the community spirit that is central to our work.
International Journal of Birth and Parent Education
Volume 11, Issue 4: Doulas and re-imagining birth
EDN presents Doula Training to ICI facilities
As part of the International Childbirth Initiatives 2024 webinar series, EDN presented the role of the doula and an overview of doula training programmes in Europe to ICI partner facilities.
VIEW: A global conversation - doula training and integration into facilities
EDN Doula Survey 2020: Interactive Country Presentation
EDN Doula Survey 2023
EDN is uniquely positioned to gather data about doula support across Europe. Anita and Špela discuss the motivation behind the EDN Doula Survey 2023 and it's origins in the EDN Doula Survey 2020, designed by Anita and Debbie, which came out as we entered global pandemic lockdown.
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How can I greet my baby into the world?
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TEDxLjubljana: Špela Peternel
EDN Volunteer and Member Representative
Translation available in English, German and Russian