Doula Support for Domestic Violence During Pregnancy
(Doula Thrive Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of doula support in reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) for pregnant individuals who have survived such violence. It compares two groups: one receiving regular check-ins from an IPV advocate and the other receiving comprehensive support from a doula (Doula Thrive). The doula group will receive assistance during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, including clinic visits and other support. Individuals up to 22 weeks pregnant, who have experienced IPV, and live near Pittsburgh might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how doula support can improve outcomes for IPV survivors.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that the doula intervention is safe for perinatal IPV survivors?
Research has shown that having a doula, like those in the Doula Thrive program, is generally safe and beneficial for pregnant women. Doulas are trained professionals who provide support during pregnancy and childbirth, offering emotional and practical assistance that can reduce stress and improve health outcomes.
In similar situations, having a doula has been linked to better birth experiences and reduced anxiety. Studies have not reported any major safety concerns with doula support. Instead, the focus remains on providing care and resources to assist women through this challenging time.
This trial does not involve testing a new drug or medical treatment, and the safety of having a doula is well-established. Doulas aim to ensure the well-being of both mother and baby without introducing any physical risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Doula Thrive intervention because it offers a unique approach to supporting pregnant individuals experiencing domestic violence. Unlike traditional treatments, which might primarily involve advocacy and helpline support, this intervention provides continuous, personalized care through a community-based doula. These doulas offer full-spectrum services, including attending clinic visits and the birth itself, as well as providing trauma-informed resources like a perinatal workbook. This comprehensive support system aims to empower participants and improve their overall well-being during a vulnerable time.
What evidence suggests that the Doula Thrive intervention is effective for reducing intimate partner violence during pregnancy?
Research has shown that having a doula can reduce stress and improve outcomes for pregnant women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). Doulas offer emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth and help connect survivors to vital resources and a supportive community. Evidence suggests that this support can enhance mental health and provide a sense of safety for the mother. By offering care sensitive to past trauma, doulas can also lessen the impact of previous abuse around childbirth. In this trial, participants in the Doula group (intervention) will receive support from a community-based doula, potentially demonstrating the effectiveness of Doula Thrive in reducing IPV among women during this period. Meanwhile, the active control arm will include structured check-ins by a trained IPV advocate.12356
Who Is on the Research Team?
Maya I Ragavan
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Dara Mendez
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for perinatal individuals who have experienced intimate partner violence. Specific eligibility details are not provided, but typically participants would need to meet certain health and safety criteria relevant to the study's focus.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Prenatal Doula Intervention
Participants receive full-spectrum doula services from 22 weeks gestation through the birthing period
Postpartum Doula Support
Continued doula support and connection to resources during early postpartum period
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in IPV and other secondary outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Doula Thrive
Trial Overview
The Doula Thrive Clinical Trial compares a doula intervention called 'Doula Thrive' with an active control named 'Thrive' to see which is more effective at reducing intimate partner violence among survivors during the perinatal period.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
The intervention arm will include support rom a community-based doula connected with an IPV survivor during the second trimester and followed for 6 months. The doulas will provide full-spectrum services, which include attending clinic visits, support during the delivery, telephone and virtual check-ins, and connection to resources. Doulas have 4 structured visits (4 hours) and the rest of the time will be unstructured. Doulas will also attend the participant's birth. Doulas will provide a trauma-informed perinatal workbook to the participants that our team developed.
The active control arm will include two structured check-ins by a trained intimate partner violence advocate from a local victim services agency. The IPV advocate will check in twice: once prenatally (after randomization) and the next postpartum. All participants in the active control arm will have access to the 24/7 helpline.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Collaborator
Citations
Clinical Trial to Reduce Perinatal Intimate Partner Violence
Novel Doula Intervention to Leverage Clinic-community Connections to Support Perinatal Intimate Partner Violence Survivors. Conditions. Domestic Violence ...
Doula Support for Domestic Violence During Pregnancy ...
... with an active control named 'Thrive' to see which is more effective at reducing intimate partner violence among survivors during the perinatal period. How ...
3.
htsyndication.com
htsyndication.com/health-daily-digest/article/clinical-trial%3A-doula-thrive-clinical-trial-to-reduce-perinatal-intimate-partner-violence/93155616Doula Thrive Clinical Trial to Reduce Perinatal Intimate ...
Clinical Trial: Doula Thrive Clinical Trial to Reduce Perinatal Intimate Partner Violence. Posted On: 2025-09-11. Health & Lifestyle Health ...
Evidence and guidelines for trauma-informed doula care
Domestic/intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and childhood maltreatment along with subsequent perinatal PTSD can also increase the risk of ...
5.
pretermbirthca.ucsf.edu
pretermbirthca.ucsf.edu/sites/g/files/tkssra15601/files/wysiwyg/social%20determinants%20and%20health%20doula%20support.pdfDoula Support during Pregnancy and Childbirth
Conclusions: Access to doula services for pregnant women who are at risk of poor birth outcomes ... ner violence and exposure to abuse are more likely to have ...
6.
researchonline.stthomas.edu
researchonline.stthomas.edu/view/pdfCoverPage?instCode=01CLIC_STTHOMAS&filePid=13439847800003691&download=truePartnership with Doulas & Domestic Violence Services by
When this is combined with the. Page 10. PREGNANCY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. 5 understanding of how abuse may impact the mother and infants' ability to thrive, it ...
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