Focusing on culturally congruent support especially within Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, the purpose of the 2023 Time Use Study was to better understand the multifaceted roles and time commitments of community-based doulas.This study addresses the lack of published data concerning the time allocation performed by community-based doulas, and provides valuable insights into activities beyond conventional direct client care. The findings from this study are a call to action for improved payment structures that reflect the invaluable contributions of community doulas.

Click on the links below to access findings and more information about the 2023 Time Use Study:​

• 2023 Time Use Study Report: Read the research report highlighting key findings.

• 2023 Time Use Study Webinar: Hear from the Doula Data Consortium about their experiences participating in the study, research methods, and policy recommendations. 

• 2023 Time Use Study Toolkit: Share social media messages and graphics to help you and those in your networks engage with study findings. 

• 2023 Time Use Study Data: Explore study data. 

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At SisterWeb, we conducted our own exploration of the 2023 Time Use Study data to further understand our organization. Eight (8)* SisterWeb community doulas participated in the 2023 Time Use Study over the course of one month. According to data for SisterWeb:

• Doulas spent 640 hours of their time doing client care and other client directed work.

• 8 babies were delivered.

• 5 doulas worked on their off day for a total of 76 collective hours devoted to clients outside business hours.

• 100% of doulas identified in the same racial/ ethnic group as their clients.

• 3 doulas held second jobs in addition to dedicating time to their clients.​

 

*Note: The sample size for SisterWeb in the 2023 Time Use Study is 8 because the Semilla Sagrada program was active during the period in which this study was conducted.