Abstract
This dissertation investigates the impact of social support from doulas on patients' uncertainty management during the perinatal care experience. The central research question explores how the provision of social support from doulas influences patients' ability to manage uncertainty throughout their maternal healthcare journey. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. The quantitative survey results indicate that the presence of a doula does not significantly affect patients' satisfaction with their primary care providers. However, the qualitative interviews reveal that doulas' advocacy and emotional support play a critical role in empowering patients, thereby significantly aiding in the management of their uncertainty. The findings of these studies offer theoretical implications for Uncertainty Management Theory (UMT), highlighting the importance of emotional and advocacy support in the context of maternal healthcare. The study underscores impact of doula care on enhancing patient empowerment and effective communication, ultimately contributing to improved maternal and prenatal healthcare outcomes.