ICH014 - IBWC Supporting Infant Sleep

Course Description

Sleep is one of the most common concerns that new parents bring to birth workers, yet there is no single "right" way to support infant sleep. This course invites you to explore the roots of common sleep expectations, the role of cultural and community teachings, and how to reclaim relational ways of knowing in supporting babies and their families. Through an Indigenous lens, we explore how safety, trust, love, and flexible schedules can guide us toward more grounded and healing sleep support practices. 

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 normal sleep behaviours and developmental milestones in infant sleep.
2. Connect infant sleep behaviours to co-regulation and caregiver support.
3. Describe how colonialism has shaped dominant infant sleep narratives and disrupted traditional practices.
4. Apply harm-reduction approaches to sleep practices, such as bed sharing, using culturally respectful and evidence-informed strategies.
5. Implement emotionally safe bedtime routines grounded in relationship and trust.
6. Apply methods to resolve common sleep issues and foster good sleep habits.

Skills and Competencies

• Understanding of normal infant sleep patterns, behaviours, and developmental milestones.
• Ability to support infant-caregiver co-regulation through responsive and developmentally appropriate sleep strategies.
• Awareness of the impacts of colonialism on infant sleep narratives and traditional Indigenous practices.
• Competence in applying harm-reduction and culturally respectful approaches to infant sleep, including safe bed sharing.
• Skills to support families in creating emotionally safe, trust-based bedtime routines.
• Practical methods of addressing common sleep challenges and promoting healthy, sustainable sleep habits.

Summary

• Number of hours: 6 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.