Can a doula in the NICU ease Parents' trauma?

NCT ID NCT06521398

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether providing doula support and care coordination to parents of preterm babies in the NICU can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. Twenty English-speaking mothers of babies born before 34 weeks are being recruited. The doula helps connect families to mental health and medical services, and continues support after the baby leaves the hospital.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Doula support and care coordination
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to improve mental health for parents of preterm babies in the NICU.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The intervention is supportive, not medical, so it may not reduce severe mental health conditions.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Premature Birth post-traumatic stress disorder prevention target postpartum depression prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

POSTPARTUM ANXIETY POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION PREMATURE BIRTH STRESS DISORDERS, POST-TRAUMATIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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