CARRIAGE HOUSE BIRTH

This course is intended for doulas, prenatal medical providers, and anyone who wants to understand the public health crisis of stillbirth in the U.S. and learn how to reduce stillbirth risk. This course delves into the critical issue of stillbirth, aiming to illuminate its prevalence, causes, and the systemic factors that contribute to it. This course covers various aspects of pregnancy loss and the doula's role in supporting families experiencing such losses. The course aims to equip doulas with the knowledge and skills to support families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss, understand the emotional and practical aspects of such situations, and take care of their own well-being.

Training Topics

Each day we will deep dive into new subjects essential for your loss support training. Here’s a sample of what will be covered over the course of our two days together.

+ Setting the stage by highlighting the emotional and societal impact of stillbirth, framing it as a significant injustice that deserves greater attention.

+ Exploring the statistical reality of stillbirth, providing concrete numbers to illustrate how common this tragedy is.

+ Taking a critical look at the support systems and healthcare practices in the United States concerning stillbirth, suggesting areas where improvements are needed.

+ Delving into this silent public health crisis and why educating and empowering families with stillbirth knowledge is crucial.

+ Examining the various factors that can increase the risk of stillbirth, as well as known and potential causes.

+ Specifically addressing the significant disparities in stillbirth rates among different racial groups, a crucial aspect of understanding this issue.

+ Exploring the relationship between the timing of birth (e.g., gestational age) and the risk of stillbirth.

+ Introducing the important role of fetal movement as an indicator of fetal well-being.

+ Focusing on changes in fetal movement in the later stages of pregnancy and the steps that should be taken when altered fetal movement is reported.

+ Discussing the considerations and potential risks associated with home birth in the context of stillbirth awareness.

+ Sharing actionable steps both providers and pregnant people can take to reduce the risk of stillbirth. 

+ Planning ahead and difficult discussions: Addressing death anxiety in the birth space and creating birth and death plans.

+ Addressing the types of pregnancy loss: abortion (medical vs. surgical), miscarriage (early and late term), stillbirth, grief, and infant loss.

+ The Doula's Role: Supporting families through different types of pregnancy loss, including practical and emotional support. This involves being aware of language, holding space, and providing follow-up.

+ Support after loss: Naming ceremonies, saying goodbye, and postpartum visits.

+ Continued support resources: Connecting families with therapists, support groups, and online resources.

+ Psychological impact of loss: Understanding the emotional challenges faced by parents, including shock, disbelief, and the loss of a perceived future.

+ Self-care for doulas: Recognizing disenfranchised grief and the importance of self-care.

Providing this training is a huge commitment in both time and resources for our team, and as a result we do not offer refunds and or deferments at this time.