Utilizing Doulas to Improve Nursing Student Preparation and Self-confidence in Providing Labor and Birth Support

Abstract

relicensure nursing students generally have limited opportunities to provide care to patients and families during labor and birth. For many students, the clinical practicum on a labor and delivery unit is their first exposure to childbirth. Providing opportunities for students to engage in labor and birth support practices before they begin experiences in maternity nursing may increase their level of preparedness and self-confidence. This article explores a strategy to prepare nursing students for their first hospital-based clinical practice in labor and delivery by utilizing birth doulas to teach students labor support through interactive learning strategies.