ICH013 - IBWC Supporting Pregnant Persons Living with Addictions

Course Description

Addiction is often misunderstood, especially when it intersects with pregnancy. This course invites you to reflect on your understandings of addiction, explore compassionate and decolonial models of care, and learn how to walk alongside the birthing people through their healing journeys. Through video, reflection, and real-life scenarios, you will gain knowledge and tools rooted in Indigenous values of respect, relationship, and resilience. 

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. Define key terms related to substance matters, addiction, and harm reduction.
2. Explain the risks and challenges associated with addiction during pregnancy and postpartum.
3. Apply trauma-informed and culturally grounded approaches to supporting pregnant persons living with addiction.
4. Identify practical strategies for advocacy and communication in healthcare and legal systems.
5. Reflect on personal biases and boundaries while offering sustainable and compassionate support.

Skills and Competencies

• Clear understanding of key terms and concepts related to substance misuse, addiction, and harm reduction.
• Ability to recognize the unique risks and challenges of addiction during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Practical skills in applying trauma-and-violence-informed, nonjudgmental, and culturally grounded support approaches.
• Increased self-awareness of personal biases and boundaries, supporting sustainable, compassionate, and ethical care.

Summary

• Number of hours: 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: 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 supporting those in the perinatal period.

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.