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ZHDai_Dissertation.pdf (1.79 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Caregiving and social support: Feminist health communication approach to understanding doulas in China

Dai, Zehui
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1530640482268663

Abstract Details

2018, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, Media and Communication.
Doula and doula workers are a group of maternal health care workers. The doula care phenomenon--as it emerges as a viable profession for women in China--reveals nuances and contradictions and lends itself to an examination through a feminist health communication lens and a relational communication perspective. This dissertation project broadly focuses on an examination of the emergence of the doula phenomenon and the role that the doula workers play in the context of struggles for women's autonomy in the contexts of pregnancy and childbirth in China. I look at post-1980s contexts of midwifery--referred to as "doula care" and how it is manifested in China. I conducted in-depth interviews with 16 professional doulas in China to collect data for this project. I examine how Chinese doulas construct multiple identities, in terms of serving as lactation consultants, child care providers, and child care educators for women during pregnancy and childbirth. Chinese doulas develop a close relationship with pregnant women, as sisters and families. Therefore, I suggest that doula support not only has been explored in labor and childbirth, but also has been introduced to women in pregnancy and women in general as a notion of respectful maternal health care. The provision of doulas' support to Chinese pregnant women and expectant mothers constructs a space outside of mainstream Chinese medical and hospital-based health care settings.
Radhika Gajjala, Dr. (Advisor)
Alberto Gonzalez, Dr. (Committee Member)
Lisa Hanasono, Dr. (Committee Member)
Lynne Hewitt, Dr. (Other)
175 p.
Communication; Health; Health Care; Womens Studies
health communication; doula care; Chinese women; feminism; maternal health care

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Dai, Z. (2018). Caregiving and social support: Feminist health communication approach to understanding doulas in China [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1530640482268663

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Dai, Zehui. Caregiving and social support: Feminist health communication approach to understanding doulas in China. 2018. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1530640482268663.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Dai, Zehui. "Caregiving and social support: Feminist health communication approach to understanding doulas in China." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1530640482268663

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.