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Course Description

Pregnancy can be a joyful and transformative time, but for many, it also comes with unique challenges. This course focuses on how to support people in the perinatal period who are living with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart conditions, autoimmune disorders, mental health concerns, and more. These birthers often experience stigma, dismissal, or barriers to accessing care. As Indigenous birth workers, para-professionals, or supporting family members, your role is to affirm their strength, advocate with compassion, and walk alongside them with cultural safety and relational 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. Describe the impacts of common pre-existing health conditions during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
  2. Apply person-first, non-judgmental language and trauma-informed care practices to support birthing people with pre-existing health conditions.
  3. Identify strategies for supporting emotional regulation, cultural safety, and navigating health care systems.
  4. Advocate for birthing people's dignity, autonomy, and access to appropriate resources.

Skills and Competencies

  • Awareness of what some common pre-existing health conditions may be and how they can impact pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
  • Culturally responsive support techniques for working with diverse populations.
  • Knowledge of emotional regulation tools to support clients experiencing stress or overwhelm.
  • Sensitivity to the intersection of culture, identity, and health in shaping clients' experiences and needs.

Summary

  • Number of hours: 4 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: Beginner in Perinatal Support Professional MicroCredential, Intermediate in Perinatal Support Professional MicroCredential, Advanced in Perinatal Support Professional MicroCredential, or Advanced Perinatal Support Professional MicroCertificate.

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, works 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. 

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in
Section Title
IBWC Supporting Someone Who Has Pre-Existing Conditions
Type
self-paced
Dates
Start Now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled.
Delivery Options
Online  
Course Fee(s)
IBWC Supporting Someone Who Has Pre-Existing Condi non-credit $89.00
Drop Request Deadline
No drop request allowed after enrollment
Transfer Request Deadline
No transfer request allowed after enrollment
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