Digital Doula Interventions for Perinatal Mental Health: Integrating AI and Remote Support in Neuropsychiatric Care

Perinatal mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress following childbirth, represent significant neuropsychiatric challenges affecting maternal and infant well-being. Traditional doula support has shown measurable benefits in reducing psychological distress and improving emotional outcomes during childbirth. Recent advancements in digital health have introduced the concept of digital doulas-AI-enhanced, telehealth, or mobile-based systems designed to provide continuous emotional and informational support to birthing individuals. This review synthesizes current evidence on digital doula interventions and their impact on perinatal mental health through the lens of neuropsychiatry. We examine how emerging technologies-such as artificial intelligence, digital biomarkers, predictive modeling, and tele-neuropsychiatry-can extend the reach and precision of doula care. Furthermore, we discuss the neuropsychiatric mechanisms underlying digital emotional support, including stress regulation, oxytocin-mediated bonding, and neural plasticity, alongside ethical and cultural considerations in deploying AI-driven maternal support systems. By integrating neuroscience, psychiatry, and digital innovation, digital doula interventions offer a promising frontier for precision mental healthcare in perinatal populations.