Black Birthing Parents: We want to hear from you!

Join the Study:

We are currently conducting a research study to help us understand the experiences of Black people who have recently given birth in our area and how we can better support their needs. What we learn from this study will help us design a program that matches our patients with doulas in the community.

Here are the things you will be asked to do if you participate in the study:

  • Complete a short survey online about your birth experience (10 minutes)

  • Participate in a 1-hour focus group discussion on Zoom led by one of our facilitators (below) who will ask you and a group of others to talk about their experiences surrounding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum and their thoughts about doulas.

  • Those who participate will be compensated with a $50 gift card.

  • A report of the study results will be emailed to all participants once available, likely in early 2025.

Eligibility:

  • If you identify as Black and have given birth in King County after July 1, 2022, you may be eligible to participate!

  • If you are interested in learning more, please click here so we can determine if you are eligible. If you are eligible, you will be contacted by a research team member who will get you signed up.

Focus Group Discussion and Interview Facilitators

Leslie Coney, PhD(c) is a Chicago native, and a third-year PhD candidate in the Human Centered Design and Engineering program at the University of Washington. She is committed to the listening and sharing of stories by and for Black mamas, pursuing a deep understanding of how technology, community, and joy shows up in Black birth. She has dreams of becoming a doula herself to address maternal mortality in her community through both research and action.

Keemi Ereme, MD, MPH is an OB/GYN at the University of Washington.  She is passionate about reproductive health and justice.  She works on research and advocacy that focuses on people of color and health disparities.  In her free-time she enjoys reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, weightlifting and cuddling with her two cats.