Jessica Edel Ph.D., Program Director, MCEDSV, Michigan, U.S.

Jessica is a Program Director and statewide trainer with the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, where she leads maternal health and prevention initiatives focused on the intersection of intimate partner violence and the perinatal period. She has trained hundreds of advocates, healthcare providers, doulas, and community leaders on trauma-informed, survivor-centered approaches to IPV prevention and response, and is trained as a birth and postpartum doula. Her work centers health equity and strengthening the role of doulas and other birth professionals as critical partners in supporting survivors and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Session

You’re Already Supporting Survivors: Intimate Partner Violence, the Perinatal Period, and the Doula’s Role

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is more common during the perinatal period than many pregnancy-related health conditions, yet it often goes unrecognized. Doulas are uniquely positioned to provide safety, validation, and connection during one of the most vulnerable and transformative times in a person’s life. The truth is: you are already working with survivors. You just may not know it. This interactive session explores the connection between IPV and the perinatal period, including how violence impacts pregnancy, birth outcomes, postpartum recovery, and infant health. Participants will learn how to integrate universal education into their doula practice without screening, diagnosing, or “investigating”, and how to offer trauma-informed, survivor-centered support that preserves autonomy and safety.

Through real-world scenarios and practical language tools, doulas will build confidence in having supportive conversations, responding to disclosures, and making warm, effective referrals. Participants will leave with customizable universal education handouts and actionable strategies they can immediately integrate into prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum care.