"Sometimes the Doulas, They Need a Doula": A Qualitative Analysis of Black and Pacific Islander Doulas' Perspectives on Personal and Professional Growth as Birth Workers.

This qualitative study examines the impact of working for SisterWeb San Francisco Community Doula Network, a community-based doula organization, on Black and Pacific Islander doulas who provide culturally congruent support to individuals before, during, and after childbirth. We interviewed eight doulas at three timepoints (2020, 2021, and 2022). Participants described how their confidence as doulas grew while working at SisterWeb, partially due to gaining more experience as birth workers within a supportive learning environment. Attending professional development sessions and receiving informational and emotional support from mentors and peers facilitated participants' growth. Participants recognized that SisterWeb's culture and infrastructure enabled them to provide doula support to their communities while being compensated. Finally, participants described how SisterWeb helped them evolve as birth workers by supporting future goals.