Enhancing Postpartum Care for NICU Mothers Through Doula and Midwife Support

Recent research conducted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) highlights the significant benefits of integrating doulas and midwives into postpartum care for mothers with infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The study, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM, demonstrates that this support model, known as PeliCaN, markedly improves access to essential postpartum health services during a critical recovery period.

Mothers of premature or medically fragile newborns often prioritize their infants' needs over their own, which can delay important health checks and interventions such as blood pressure monitoring, depression screening, and contraceptive counseling. This delay can lead to adverse long-term health outcomes. To address this, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, in collaboration with CHOP neonatologists, tested the effectiveness of embedding doulas and certified nurse-midwives directly within the NICU environment.

The study involved 37 postpartum mothers whose babies were born before 34 weeks gestation and expected to remain in the NICU for at least a week. Participants were split into two groups: one received standard care, while the other was enrolled in the PeliCaN model, where doulas and midwives provided clinical and emotional support during the baby's hospital stay, both in person and via telehealth.

Findings revealed that mothers participating in PeliCaN accessed postpartum care much sooner, with initial visits occurring on average 11 days after discharge compared to 31 days in the control group. Additionally, these mothers were more likely to receive comprehensive postpartum assessments, including blood pressure checks, depression screening, and contraceptive counseling. Only one mother in the intervention group missed a key service, whereas six mothers in the usual care group did, highlighting the model's effectiveness in ensuring consistent care.

Lead author Heather H. Burris, MD, MPH, emphasized the importance of postpartum support, stating, "Providing postpartum care is a vital step toward reducing chronic health issues and supporting families during a challenging time." The researchers also plan to explore secondary outcomes such as breastfeeding and emotional wellness, with hopes to expand this care model across more NICU settings in the future.

This approach underscores how integrating doulas and midwives into neonatal care can make a profound difference in maternal health outcomes and overall family well-being during one of the most vulnerable periods following childbirth.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-doula-midwife-mothers-neonatal-intensive.html