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

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  • 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.



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

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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.

Useful Links (European and International)

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Refugee/Vulnerable People Support in Europe

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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