ICH004 - IBWC Supporting Someone Through Labour

Course Description

The course provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for supporting individuals through every stage of labour. While the course offers guidance applicable to all birthing people, it centers Indigenous birth work by recognizing the importance of birth as ceremony, traditional knowledge, and culturally safe care. Participants will explore the physical, emotional, and advocacy-based aspects of labour support, ensuring they can confidently assist birthing people while upholding birth sovereignty and respectful maternity care.

TRC Calls to Action

Health #18, #19, #20, #22, and #23

This course supports the TRC Calls to Action in the health sector. This course exists today because of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action supporting Indigenous health.

Learning Outcomes

Learners will gain the knowledge, understanding, skills, abilities, attitude, and awareness to:

1. Identify the signs and stages of labour, recognizing typical progressions and variations.
2. Apply effective communication strategies to provide emotional support, reduce stress, and create a positive birth experience.
3. Apply hands-on comfort measures, including positioning, massage, and breathing techniques, to help manage pain during labour.
4. Advocate for informed decision-making, support birth preferences, and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.
5. Integrate Indigenous birth knowledge and practices, including birth as ceremony, placenta teachings, and the role of Indigenous birth workers. 

Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrate empathic, active listening and clear, non-directive communication.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to each stage of labour: early, active transition, pushing, and the immediate postpartum period with empowerment and fear reduction.
• Guide and support positioning and movement to optimize comfort and encourage labour progression.
• Advocate respectfully for the parents' birth preferences and rights.
• Support shared decision-making by providing evidence-based information.
• Support culturally safe care and uphold traditional practices where requested.

Summary

• Number of hours: 9 hours total 

• Assessment: Learners must achieve 80% on the Knowledge Check to pass the course. The Knowledge Check allows multiple attempts. An incomplete course will count as a fail.

• Previous education required: None; this course does not have a required prerequisite.

• Delivery: Online, self-paced

• Completion timeline: Within 180 days from when you enroll in the course.

• Applies toward the following certificates: Perinatal MicroCredential or MicroCertificate in Advanced Perinatal Support.

FAQ's

Is this course for everyone?

• Yes, this course is relevant to anyone interested in learning more about the physical, emotional, and advocacy-based aspects of labour support, to confidently assist birthing people while upholding birth sovereignty and respectful maternity care.

What is the scope of this course?

• This course can be used as continuing education related to supporting the birth process. This, along with other IBWC MicroBadges, work toward a MicroCredential and MicroCertificate.

Some individuals and organizations may be GST-exempt.

• First Nations University of Canada is situated on the Star Blanket First Nation and is exempt from Provincial Sales Tax (PST). If you or your organization are exempt from Government Sales Tax (GST), please get in touch with icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca to ensure that your invoice is prepared accordingly.

I need financial support. What funding options does ICEC recommend?

• Check out our Funding Opportunities here. 

Who do I contact if I need help?

• Check out ICEC's Learner Support page to see if your question is answered in the FAQs. If your question remains unresolved, feel free to complete the form with your question, or you may contact icec@firstnationsuniversity.ca for assistance with any questions. We are here to help! Support requests are received during regular office hours. Please expect a response within 24 to 48 hours.