ICH011 - IBWC Understanding Birth Interventions

Course Description

Medical interventions are common during labour and birth. This course is designed to help you understand what those interventions are, when, and why they may be used, and how to support informed choice in a way that centers the birthing people's autonomy and safety. You will learn to help birth people process when birth plans shift and how to stay rooted in relational, trauma-and-violence-informed 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. Explain common birth interventions, including their purpose, risks, and considerations.
2. Apply a culturally safe, trauma-and-violence-informed approach to supporting informed decision-making during labour and birth. 
3. Recognize when an intervention may not be necessary and advocate for options that align with the birthing people's values. 
4. Support birthing people emotionally and spiritually when birth plans shift unexpectedly.

Skills and Competencies

• Understanding of common birth interventions, including their medical purpose, potential risks, and cultural considerations.
• Ability to support informed decision-making using culturally safe, trauma-and-violence-informed communication practices.
• Confidence in recognizing when interventions may not be necessary and advocating respectfully for care that aligns with the birth person's values and preferences. 
• Skills in providing emotional and spiritual support when birth plans change, helping families feel grounded, respected, and empowered.  

Summary

• Number of hours: 2 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.