Date

5-2026

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

First Advisor

Barbara Silverthorne

Abstract

There are too few confident, experienced doulas available in Monterey County to meet the needs of birthing families. Community-based maternal health programs face challenges related to limited confidence and experience among newly trained doulas, which affect the quality and consistency of care provided to families. This project addressed the needs of new doulas serving Medi-Cal–eligible families in Monterey County. The purpose of this capstone project was to increase confidence and preparedness among new doulas through a mentorship-based learning intervention. The project was implemented at the Parenting Connection of Monterey County and included new doulas and experienced mentor doulas. Key activities included developing and publishing a podcast featuring experiences shared by seasoned doulas, creating guided reflection materials, and administering pre- and post-surveys to assess changes in confidence. Pre-survey responses (n = 8) and post-survey responses (n = 3) indicated generally high levels of confidence among new doulas; however, variability across areas such as communication, boundary-setting, and emotional processing highlighted an ongoing need for structured mentorship and reflective learning opportunities. Among the one matched pre- and post-survey response, overall confidence remained consistently high over time. Participants reported feeling more connected to a professional support network and better prepared to navigate real-world challenges. Qualitative feedback from mentor doulas and program staff indicated that the podcast was a valuable learning tool that increased awareness, reflection, and professional insight. These findings highlight the importance of accessible mentorship and reflective learning and support the continuation of this educational intervention.

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