Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy & Postpartum #051

Your BIRTH Partners

Continuing our exploration of holding space for those in our care through the perinatal period, we are turning our attention to those experiencing intimate partner violence. As we consider the many systemic failures in birthcare and postpartum support, we must look at the number one cause of perinatal deaths: homicide. How do we screen for, recognize, and provide resources to those experiencing violence?
Dr Phyllis Sharps joins us this week to share information from her 5 decades of supporting vulnerable perinatal populations, particularly focused on the intersection of pregnancy & intimate partner violence.
In this episode we explore:

~statistics of IPV
~unwanted pregnancy and link to abuse/coercion
~demographics at higher risk for IPV
~impact of the pandemic on IPV rates, recognition, and response
~trauma-informed care and labor & birth considerations for those with a trauma history
~gathering healthcare institution and community resources
~navigating disclosures, checking biases, & cultivating a collaborative team
~ideas for support from community-based birthworkers
~supporting safety and holding space without focusing on "fixing" or removing

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