The Role of Digital Doulas: An Integrative Review of Interventions for Maternal Neuropsychiatric Health in the Perinatal Period

Authors

  • Xinduo Gao Department of Medical Nursing, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 6 Zhongyuan West Road, Zhengzhou, 451200, China Author
  • Xuezhen Lu Department of Medical Nursing, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 6 Zhongyuan West Road, Zhengzhou, 451200, China Author
  • Hongxiao Du Department of Medical Nursing, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 6 Zhongyuan West Road, Zhengzhou, 451200, China Author
  • Huijie Wu Department of Medical Nursing, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 6 Zhongyuan West Road, Zhengzhou, 451200, China Author
  • Beibei Wei Department of Medical Nursing, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 6 Zhongyuan West Road, Zhengzhou, 451200, China Author
  • Jingyi Liang Department of Medical Nursing, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 6 Zhongyuan West Road, Zhengzhou, 451200, China Author
  • Wei Chu Department of Medical Nursing, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 6 Zhongyuan West Road, Zhengzhou, 451200, China Author
  • Kai Xu Department of Medical Nursing, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 6 Zhongyuan West Road, Zhengzhou, 451200, China Author
  • Cheng Chang Department of Medical Nursing, Zhengzhou Urban Construction Vocational College, No. 6 Zhongyuan West Road, Zhengzhou, 451200, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64229/t9xpz744

Keywords:

Digital Doula, Neuropsychiatry, Perinatal Mental Health, Digital Therapeutics, Tele-Neuropsychiatry, AI in Maternal Care, Digital Health Equity

Abstract

Emerging evidence underscores the potential of digital technologies in improving perinatal mental health by offering continuous and person-centered support. This integrative review synthesizes findings across disciplines-including obstetrics, psychiatry, digital health, and human–computer interaction-to examine the role of digital doula interventions. Such technologies reimagine the traditional doula model through mobile applications, tele-support systems, and AI-based companions. Results indicate that digital doula support is consistently linked to reduced perinatal anxiety and depressive symptoms, improved emotional regulation, and greater satisfaction with childbirth experiences. Moreover, these interventions enhance accessibility and continuity of care, particularly for marginalized groups, thereby advancing digital health equity. Nevertheless, challenges such as limited standardization, data privacy issues, and insufficient reimbursement models remain. Digital doula care stands at the intersection of neuropsychiatry, digital therapeutics, and maternal health, offering innovative pathways to alleviate perinatal psychological distress and promote precision mental healthcare. Future research should focus on developing digital biomarkers for perinatal mental health and assessing long-term neurobehavioral outcomes of technology-facilitated support.

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Published

2025-12-04

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Xinduo Gao, Xuezhen Lu, Hongxiao Du, Huijie Wu, Beibei Wei, Jingyi Liang, Wei Chu, Kai Xu, Cheng Chang (Author)

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Xinduo Gao, Xuezhen Lu, Hongxiao Du, Huijie Wu, Beibei Wei, Jingyi Liang, Wei Chu, Kai Xu, & Cheng Chang. (2025). The Role of Digital Doulas: An Integrative Review of Interventions for Maternal Neuropsychiatric Health in the Perinatal Period. Digital Neuropsychiatry, 1(2), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.64229/t9xpz744