Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Department
Executive Leadership
First Supervisor
Dr. Greta R. Strong
Second Supervisor
Dr. Janice Kelly
Abstract
Black maternal health continues to face significant disparities in the United States, highlighting the crucial role of Black Doulas in promoting birth equity (Declercq & Zephyrin, 2020; K. Taylor et al., 2023). This qualitative, phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of 10 certified Black Doulas working in hospital settings nationwide. Guided by the weathering hypothesis (Geronimus, 1992, /2023), critical race feminist theory (Wing, 2020), Black feminist theory (Collins, 2000), Sojourner syndrome (Bailey, 2017), and the looking-glass self (Cooley, 1902), the study examined how systemic racism, occupational challenges, and advocacy fatigue intersect to shape their professional experiences.
Using semi-structured interviews, participants shared their roles in delivering culturally responsive care, overcoming institutional barriers, and maintaining their emotional well-being in challenging hospital environments. Three main themes emerged: (a) institutional barriers and racialized experiences, (b) emotional labor and occupational hazards, and (c) resilience and commitment to advocacy.
Findings revealed that Black Doulas face discrimination and marginalization within predominantly White institutions while experiencing vicarious trauma and burnout. Despite systemic stress, they remain grounded in a strong sense of advocacy and community responsibility.
This research highlights the vital contribution of Black Doulas to improving maternal health outcomes and calls for institutional recognition, fair compensation, and supportive policies. Recommendations include expanding research on occupational health and caregiving roles and adopting the Doula Wheel of Care©, a framework developed by the researcher to promote sustainability, well-being, and accountability for Doulas working within hospital systems.
Recommended Citation
Bolds, Denise Elaine, "Weathering of Black Doulas in Hospitals: Challenges and Opportunities" (2025). Education Doctoral. Paper 636.
https://fisherpub.sjf.edu/education_etd/636
Please note that the Recommended Citation provides general citation information and may not be appropriate for your discipline. To receive help in creating a citation based on your discipline, please visit http://libguides.sjfc.edu/citations.