My Publications
Thesis, Research Articles, the Doula Blog and More
With decades of research, education, and outreach experience, Dr. Amy Gilliland has penned a wide range of evidence- and research-based articles, books, and other publications that are available for review. Each of these pieces helped shape Dr. Gilliland’s groundbreaking doula curriculum, guidance for medical professionals, and has facilitated one of the most effective doula blogs in the world. Explore all of Dr. Gilliland’s work below:
Dr. Amy Gilliland’s Thesis & Dissertation
A Grounded Theory Study of Effective Labor Support By Birth Doulas
This 485-page study covers informational support and advocacy; birth doula support of fathers; a comparison of independent practice and hospital based doula care; and offers a theoretical connection between doula care, adult attachment needs, and gender based neurological responses to stress.
Because of its length, this dissertation is offered as 14 separate pdf documents. The first has the abstract and table of contents, which can help you to locate the chapters of greatest interest to you. The dissertation begins with a review of the relevant Literature on birth doula support and paternal experiences of childbirth. There is a detailed chapter on the Methods and procedures that were followed. Then each of the Findings are presented in their own chapter. Findings are organized into a logical scheme, no interpretation is presented in these chapters. It is a detailed analysis of the data. My analysis also led to the development of several models. The Findings models are presented in their own chapters. What I think the findings mean is presented in the Discussion chapter. This chapter also includes a theoretical model that brings everything together.
Independent & Collaborative Publications Featuring Dr. Amy Gilliland
The Doula Blog
Many have described Dr. Amy Gilliland as a thought leader and visionary in the doula world. As an academic, researcher, and leading doula educator, Dr. Gilliland spends a lot of her time thinking, pondering, considering, ruminating, and gestating her ideas. The Doula Blog is a culmination of much of that effort. Many of these essays have been worked on for four months or more before they are posted.
Dr. Gilliland has taught university level courses in the psychology of human relationships, human sexuality, introduction to psychology, and public speaking. She has a graduate certificate in prenatal and perinatal psychology and believes the newborn is conscious human being capable of complete sensation and the creation of memory before birth. Dr. Gilliland believes in the empowerment of people in labor, no matter what their gender or sex, and the individualization of care towards that person. She believes the medical system is toxic for most nurses, midwives, and physicians and that system change is possible when we are all willing to subvert the existing power structure. While Dr. Gilliland does not label herself as an activist or an agitator, she does write to inform, educate, and foster change. If this philosophy resonates with you, explore Dr. Gilliland’s blog for more!
World Doula Week 2025: Our Values Are Being Attacked
This year, World Doula Week begins in a landscape unlike any other since I attended my first doula birth in January 1987. While doula work[...]
When the Doula Screws Up
Doulas are in a service business. Our success depends largely on how we manage our relationships with others. Many of us have excellent communication skills when things are going well...
Dr. Amy Gilliland’s Curriculum Vitae
Dr. Gilliland has a robust and storied career as an academic, researcher, and educator. Review her CV to get more information on:
- Training & Teacher Experience
- Review Experience
- Grants & Awards
- Publications
- Book Reviews
- Featured Articles
- Education
- Certifications
- Service
- Professional Memberships
