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.
The European Doula Network is committed to evidence-based research and regularly conducts community surveys to improve understanding of the role and situation of doulas and the clients they serve.
NOTE: The EDN has not received any compensation for links to websites on the resource lists, and has no material connection to the products, services, or organisations 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
Research Papers and Studies on Doula Support
Films and Books about doulas and their work
Useful Links (European and International)
Feedback on Doula Support I (2023)
Pilot study findings from European midwives:
Poster created by Pilar Izquierdo (EDN Survey Team),
presented at the European Conference for Intrapartum Care (March, 2025)
Feedback on Doula Support I
Pilot study: 2-minute teaser video
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EDN Survey Team volunteer, Dr. Špela Peternel, shares a concise overview of the key findings from the 2023 pilot study on doula support, conducted by the European Doula Network (EDN) in collaboration with ICEA and DONA International. Špela was be at FIGO 2025, Cape Town, presenting this initial research to the international gynecology and obstetrics community.
Poster presented by EDN at FIGO 2025
World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Cape Town.
Špela Peternel, PhD, Advanced BDT (DONA)
presented the findings of the Feedback on Doula Support I Pilot Study.
Feedback on Doula Support Pilot Study: Results Q&A
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EDN Survey Team members, Debbie Mitchell and Dr Špela Peternel, discuss the original pilot study through a Q&A session discussing:
• who answered the survey • the issue of bias • how doulas work • why continuous support is important • do doulas interfere with medical decisions • what benefits midwives and doctors mentioned • what recommendations were made • what models for collaboration exist
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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EDN Doula Survey 2020: Interactive Country Presentation
