Building a Rural Maternal Health Workforce: An Educational Pathway in Birth Companionship and Doula Practice In India
Abstract
Rural regions of Rajasthan, India, continue to experience disparities in maternal and postnatal healthcare access, with national survey data indicating that rural women are significantly less likely to receive postnatal care compared to their urban counterparts. To address gaps in maternal health education and workforce capacity, this initiative proposes the development of a structured educational pathway in Birth Companionship and Doula Practice for rural women. Through a partnership between Seth G.B. Podar College, operated by the Anandilal Podar Trust, and Action Research and Training for Health (ARTH), this program integrates advanced coursework, clinical rotations, and formal certification to prepare women as trained birth companions and doulas. Leveraging ARTH’s expertise in reproductive health education and Podar College’s institutional infrastructure, the model emphasizes community asset utilization, cultural continuity, and institutional sustainability. The initiative seeks to strengthen maternal and newborn outcomes by promoting continuity of care across prenatal and postnatal periods, while simultaneously expanding women’s educational and economic opportunities. Anticipated impacts include improved maternal and infant health indicators, enhanced local workforce capacity, and increased community ownership of maternal health services. Recognized limitations include limited awareness of doula roles in rural settings, funding constraints, and integration challenges within existing health systems. This scalable educational model offers a sustainable, culturally grounded approach to building a rural maternal health workforce in underserved regions of India.
Start Time
15-4-2026 10:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 11:00 AM
Room Number
304
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Health
Student Type
Graduate
Faculty Mentor
Beth O'Connell
Building a Rural Maternal Health Workforce: An Educational Pathway in Birth Companionship and Doula Practice In India
304
Rural regions of Rajasthan, India, continue to experience disparities in maternal and postnatal healthcare access, with national survey data indicating that rural women are significantly less likely to receive postnatal care compared to their urban counterparts. To address gaps in maternal health education and workforce capacity, this initiative proposes the development of a structured educational pathway in Birth Companionship and Doula Practice for rural women. Through a partnership between Seth G.B. Podar College, operated by the Anandilal Podar Trust, and Action Research and Training for Health (ARTH), this program integrates advanced coursework, clinical rotations, and formal certification to prepare women as trained birth companions and doulas. Leveraging ARTH’s expertise in reproductive health education and Podar College’s institutional infrastructure, the model emphasizes community asset utilization, cultural continuity, and institutional sustainability. The initiative seeks to strengthen maternal and newborn outcomes by promoting continuity of care across prenatal and postnatal periods, while simultaneously expanding women’s educational and economic opportunities. Anticipated impacts include improved maternal and infant health indicators, enhanced local workforce capacity, and increased community ownership of maternal health services. Recognized limitations include limited awareness of doula roles in rural settings, funding constraints, and integration challenges within existing health systems. This scalable educational model offers a sustainable, culturally grounded approach to building a rural maternal health workforce in underserved regions of India.
