Identity processes of a group of doulas: Attitudes towards pregnant women and doctors

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate identity-related processes among a group of five doulas, including their perceptions towards their own group, pregnant women and physicians. We administered semi-structured interviews, applied thematic content analysis and adopted Social Identity Theory as the theoretical background. Results highlighted the relevance of feminism, social activism, and the humanization of birth movement to participants' social identity. We verified that the group provided professional and social support, through sentiments of belonging and friendship. The discussion highlights that the activism, the work group and the regular meetings with pregnant women are strategies of social change, which aim to transform health practices and gender relations. The study was limited by the number of participants, but it provided insights about a scarcely explored topic. Future research may investigate practices of doulas in articulation with the Brazilian public health system (SUS).