Can a doula in the NICU ease Parents' trauma?

NCT ID NCT06521398

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

    RECRUITING

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••