ICH015 - IBWC Caring for the Newborn and Postpartum Period

Course Description

The newborn period is a sacred and tender time. This course is designed to guide Indigenous birth workers, birth support families, and community members in offering informed, compassionate, and culturally grounded care during this early stage of life. Together, we will explore foundational newborn care, postpartum healing, early attachment, and Indigenous approaches to welcoming new life. Whether you are supporting families in the hospital, at home, or in the community, your presence makes a difference. 

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. Demonstrate foundational skills in newborn care, including bathing, swaddling, diapering, umbilical cord care, and tummy time.
2. Describe the importance of early bonding and responsive caregiving in infant emotional regulation and development.
3. Apply the "Happiest Baby on the Block" method to soothe babies.
4. Recognize culturally grounded practices used by Indigenous families in the postpartum and newborn period.
5. Apply principles of culturally safe and harm-reduction-based care in supporting Indigenous families.

Skills and Competencies

• Practical newborn care skills, including bathing, swaddling, diapering, umbilical cord care, and promoting tummy time.
• Understanding of the role of early bonding and responsive caregiving in infant emotional and developmental health.
• Awareness of culturally grounded postpartum and newborn care practices used by Indigenous families.
• Application of culturally safe, strengths-based, informed approaches in supporting Indigenous families during the postpartum period.

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: 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.