Nick, this research area is totally fascinating, especially so since I also do birthwork. I like this idea of grappling with when such an empowerment intervention could or should be implemented to improve outcomes at major events in women's reproductive lives. It would seem that earlier would be better given it would be less time sensitive, but also would presumably give women the space to practice those skills during other less time sensitive encounters and would hopefully lead to even more empowerment.
This also got me thinking about the possible interventions for birth trauma, as you mentioned in the first prompt for future areas to explore. The hierarchical nature and paradigms of training frequently seen in OBGYN training could definitely have an affect on birth trauma as an outcome. I'm wondering about what an intervention aiming to improve attitudes specifically for MDs would look, and how incorporating frameworks from other birth workers (midwives, doulas) could be beneficial. Obviously its soon for this since you are still conceptualization stage, but its very interesting to think about.