Doulas, non-clinical companions trained to provide emotional, informational, and physical support throughout the pregnancy continuum, have emerged as cost-effective interventions to enhance maternal health. This article aims to review existing definitions, roles, outcomes, and theoretic frameworks surrounding doula support, culminating in the development of the Building Respectful Integrated Doula Support as a Gateway for Enhanced Maternal Health Outcomes and Experiences (BRIDGE) conceptual framework. The BRIDGE conceptual framework provides a comprehensive understanding of doula support and its potential to improve maternal health outcomes, underscoring the importance of integrating doula support into standard maternal health care practices.
Keywords: Conceptual framework; Doula; Maternal health outcomes; Postpartum; Pregnancy.
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