Speaking into Silence: Making Space for Loss in the Community Birth setting

CLINICAL BREAKOUT

DATE: Sunday, November 10th
TIME: 10:15 am - 11:15 am
FACULTY: Denika Anderson, RN, MA, CBD (CBI), SBD

This workshop aims to address the need for holistic, comprehensive care for birth center clients experiencing pregnancy loss. Pregnancy loss can be an emotionally, physically, and spiritually intense experience that requires attention to the whole client. And, while transfer to outside providers is often necessary for clients experiencing loss, continuity of care and partnership with clients can help ensure that their unique experience is honored and their individual needs are met.

Attendees will explore a variety of topics, including:

• Recognizing and respecting diverse cultural beliefs regarding pregnancy loss, and addressing disparities in loss care.

• Forging connections with both hospital- and community-based perinatal loss professionals

• Assembling resources for clients experiencing loss

• Creating holistic plans of care for all management options, including TFMR

• Preparing materials & supplies for clients experiencing loss at home

• Supporting the complex emotional processing that clients may experience

• Preparing for & navigating loss care in states with hostile laws

• Incorporating loss care into staff training and drills

• Honoring clients’ losses and creating community

• Self- and community care for practitioners supporting loss

Through discussions, case studies, and individual reflections, attendees will gain insight, knowledge, and skills to navigate the complex nature of loss care. This workshop ultimately aims to better prepare community-based midwives, nurses, birth assistants, and other birth center staff to create environments where clients feel seen, heard, and supported as whole persons on their journey through loss.

Faculty