ICH006 - IBWC How to Have a Positive Birth

Course Description

Birth is not only a physical event. Birth is a sacred, emotional, and spiritual process rooted in community, ceremony, and relationship. For Indigenous birthing people, navigating birth often means moving through layered histories of systemic racism, trauma, and cultural resilience. This course is designed to support birth workers, family members, and community caregivers in offering informed, culturally grounded support that centers sovereignty, safety, and relational empowerment. 

Whether you are new to birth work or have supported many births, this course invites you to reflect on how we hold space, advocate with care, and uplift the voices and teachings of Indigenous birthing people. You'll explore Indigenous perspectives on pain, ceremony, storytelling, and birth planning-alongside practical strategies for supporting decision-making, navigating medical systems, and fostering emotional readiness.

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. Recognize the foundations of a positive birth experience, including empowerment, cultural safety, and emotional support for birthing people.
2. Apply tools and techniques to reduce fear; embrace flexibility; support informed, trauma-aware decision-making; empower birthing people, and prepare for positive outcomes.
3. Demonstrate building a strong birth team to support the birthing people physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
4. Integrate Indigenous and Western approaches to provide holistic support to birthing people.

Skills and Competencies

• Culturally responsive birth support techniques to support a positive birth.
• Analytical thinking about positive birthing support.
• Cultural awareness and re-awakening for a positive birth experience.
• Knowledge application of positive birth support.

Summary

• Number of hours: 1.5 hours total 

• Assessment: To pass the course, learners must achieve a score of 80% or higher on the Knowledge Check, which 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 creating an environment to support a positive birth experience. 

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.