doula integration project (DIP)
The National Collaboration for Doula Access (NCDA) announces the launch of the Doula Integration Project. A coalition-led initiative to create a blueprint for the integration of perinatal support doulas in health care settings.
what is the doula integration project?
Perinatal support doulas are trained to work in collaboration with health care providers and in health care settings such as outpatient clinics, community birth centers and hospitals. In addition to emotional and physical support, the role of doulas in these settings include health navigation, knowledge translation, and patient advocacy. These skills are especially significant for clients who face systemic barriers, bias and discrimination. Additionally, doulas provide continuity of care to their clients which improves perinatal health outcomes and they also alleviate pressures on the health care system and providers by assisting clients to access evidence-based information, triaging client questions and concerns, and providing psycho-social support. Despite the positive impact of doula care, doulas are consistently misunderstood, excluded, or disempowered within the health care system. They are inadequately compensated and are often working in conditions of precarity and isolation.
The Doula Integration Project prioritizes the need for doulas to maintain their autonomy of scope and practice while being meaningfully included in their client’s care team. This project will answer the question: “How does the integration of perinatal support doulas within health care settings impact; a) the doula’s experience of practice autonomy and providing care, b) the health outcomes of perinatal clients, c) the care provider team?” The answer to this question as well as the learning outcomes from pilot sites will inform the development of a blueprint with recommendations for how doulas can be integrated into health care settings in Canada.
project phases
Phase I:
Coalition Building
NCDA will bring together 8 coalition members from across Canada representing doulas, health care providers, leaders in perinatal health programs, researchers, and clients and families accessing doula care.The coalition will draw on its community-based expertise, resources, and networks to design and execute Phase II-IIII of the Doula Integration Project. Coalition members will meet once annually and attend bi-monthly virtual meetings.
Phase II:
Research and project development
This project will review research from existing examples of doula integration in North America from published resources as well as interviews and focus groups. This research will shape the development of pilot models of on-site doula integration within various Canadian perinatal health care settings. Phase II will include identifying and building relationships with pilot sites in preparation for integrating doulas within their work.
Phase III:
pilot and evaluation
In year two, pilot models will be rolled out at selected perinatal health care sites and programs including rural and urban locations and in at least 4 different provinces and territories in Canada. The rollout of pilot models will be supported by NCDA and the project coalition to mitigate challenges and support key stakeholders including doulas, clients, and care providers. Phase III will conclude with impact evaluation and review of outcomes.
Phase III:
blueprint publication
The project coalition will develop and publish key recommendations for integrating doulas into health care settings and provide a blueprint for doulas and perinatal health care sites/programs to pilot their own models in their community.
join the coalition
We are inviting those who are passionate about doula care and perinatal health to submit an expression of interest to join our project coalition. We are especially seeking the involvement of the following people/communities/programs:
- Doulas belonging to and serving systemically marginalized communities
- Individuals who have received or benefited from doula services in their own perinatal experiences including pregnancy, birth, postpartum, abortion, miscarriage or loss
- Perinatal care providers including nurses, midwives, and physicians
- Clinic or hospital-based support workers including social workers, counsellors, cultural liaisons, etc.
- Health care administrators, perinatal program leads and managers
- Researchers and academics focused on maternal-child health, perinatal health, social determinants of health etc.
- Community service providers, reproductive or perinatal health organizations, non-profits, grassroots groups and collectives
commitment
- Three year commitment to the project coalition
- Attend 5 virtual planning meetings per year
- Attend 1 in-person gathering per year with travel/accomodation/meal costs covered
coming up
Participants selected to join the coalition must be able to attend a virtual orientation on June 24th at 9am PT/12pm ET
Applicants must also indicate if they can attend the first in-person gathering August 4-7, 2026 in Victoria, BC. Travel, meals, and accommodations are covered.
submit your expression of interest
Expression of Interest deadline is May 31st, 2026 11:59pm PT. Submit your Expression of Interest below.
