Mickey Sperlich

Mickey Sperlich (she/her) is an associate professor at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work (State University of New York). She is an experienced midwife and researcher who studies the effects of trauma and mental health challenges related to reproduction and parenting. Sperlich has been a part of several trauma-focused perinatal studies and is co-creator of a psychosocial intervention for pregnant survivors of abuse, the "Survivor Moms' Companion."

Sperlich is committed to developing trans-disciplinary approaches to address the sequelae of sexual violence and other trauma. This includes analyzing ways in which trauma is defined and experienced, contributing to the advancement of trauma-informed care, and developing and evaluating interventions which address issues experienced by survivors of trauma and which are directed at interrupting intergenerational cycles of violence and psychiatric vulnerability. Owing in part to its contribution to maternal mortality, her recent research focus includes looking at gun violence and how to better involve social workers in intervening to prevent such violence.

I am happy to serve as a content expert for the pregnancy & childbirth topic area because I align with the core principles of OBOS Today and agree with the premise that 'all people have a right to the highest attainable standards of physical, mental, and sexual health.' I have spent my career advocating for trauma informed perinatal care and developing programs and supports for survivors of trauma during the childbearing year and early parenting.