Sarah Khaw

Thesis title

Community-based doulas’ and health care providers’ perspectives and experiences working together to support migrant women in maternity settings

Description of PhD Project

The aim of this PhD study is to understand the relationship between community-based doulas and health care providers when they support migrant women in maternity settings. Interpretivism and the socio-ecological model of health will be the theoretical frameworks guiding this research. This study will involve two methodologies: a systematic review and a qualitative interpretive phenomenological study. Findings from both methodologies will contribute to strengthening the evidence base surrounding community-based doula and health care provider relationships which may enhance existing maternity services for migrant women in high-income countries like Australia. Furthermore, factors affecting the successful and sustainable implementation of community-based doula programs may also be identified.

Supervisors

• Associate Professor Meghan Bohren
• Professor Caroline Homer
• Dr Shahinoor Akter

Biography

Sarah is a PhD candidate in the Centre for Health Equity’s Gender and Women’s Health Unit. Her background as a midwife, experience as a qualitative research assistant and Master of Public graduate has allowed her to pursue her interests in migrant and refugee women’s health.

Funding/scholarships

• Human Rights Scholarship
• Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship