Unseen Barriers In Birth and Postpartum Work with Marian Vasser

Implicit bias shapes how we see the world—and how we show up for the families we serve. While doulas are committed to compassionate, equitable care, unconscious biases—both personal and systemic—can create barriers to that support.

This keynote explores how bias manifests in birth and postpartum work and its impact on maternal health outcomes. We’ll go beyond awareness to focus on action: how to recognize bias in ourselves and others, how to respond in the moment, and how to advocate effectively within healthcare systems.

Participants will leave with practical strategies for fostering accountability, addressing bias in real time, and creating a birth culture where every parent is seen, heard, and empowered. By rooting ourselves in equity, we can rise together as a stronger, more inclusive birth community.

This session will be in-person and live-streamed.