Perinatal Loss Training

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CA$299.00
CA$199.00
CA$199.00
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January 27 2024 | Saturday | 10am- 5pm PST

Pitt Meadows



Professionals will be provided a comprehensive understanding of perinatal loss, the emotional impact on families, and the skills required to offer sensitive and effective support during this challenging time. This in-person workshop is designed for Doulas, midwives, nurses, doctors, funeral directors, clinical counselors, therapists and anyone who wants to know more about how to support families in this one of a kind, intimate workshop.

Your educators

Christa Ovenell is a community-based death educator, a licensed funeral director and embalmer, and an end-of-life doula.  She holds a Master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education from UBC  and is the founder of Death’s Apprentice Education & Planning Inc., a company that specializes in holistic advanced care planning for individuals and forward-thinking companies. 
Christa takes a practical, empowering and heart-centered approach to her end-of-life and deathcare practice.

Michelle Tyliakos is a Doula, Coach, and founder of My Powerful Birth Education.   After her doula training in 2015 she created In Our Hearts, a meet up for community and connection over pregnancy loss, stillbirth and neonatal death.  With over 1600 hours of training in coaching others through expected and unexpected events, she is committed that everyone feels listened to and has choices how to move forward.     Michelle shares her personal experience, while also  opening space for others to have challenging and loving conversations that make a difference.  

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Class Layout

Introduction to Perinatal Loss 
  • Defining Perinatal Loss
  • Understand the scope of perinatal loss: miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, and complications.
  • Explore the prevalence and impact of perinatal loss on families.
  • The Emotional Landscape of Perinatal Loss. Identify common emotional reactions experienced by parents and families. Recognize the potential long-term psychological effects of perinatal loss
  • Cultural and Ethical Considerations.  Discuss how cultural, religious, and personal beliefs influence responses to perinatal loss.
  • Ethical considerations in providing sensitive support.
  • Practical considerations: understanding disposition options for various forms of perinatal loss.

Communicating with Bereaved Families

  • Effective Communication Skills. Learn empathetic and active listening techniques.  Practice open-ended questioning to encourage sharing of feelings.
  • Communicating Difficult Topics Before Birth. Understand the challenges of discussing sensitive subjects during pregnancy. Explore strategies to address topics like complications, potential loss, and difficult decisions.
  • Supporting Siblings and Extended Family. Discuss the unique needs of siblings, grandparents & extended family or friends. Learn strategies for involving and supporting the village.
  • Practical considerations: helping families advocate for themselves when dealing with funeral homes

Providing Physical and Emotional Care 

  • Physical Care and Bereavement Rituals. Explore ways to support families in making memories with their baby. Discuss options for post-loss rituals and memorialization.
  • Grief and Coping Strategies.  Introduce different grief models and coping mechanisms. Discuss healthy ways of processing grief for both parents and birth workers.
  • Self-Care for  Professionals. Understand the emotional toll of supporting families through perinatal loss. Learn self-care strategies to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.
  • Practical considerations: options when viewing or physical interaction may be limited because of delay or decay

Creating a Supportive Environment

  • Building a Support Network.  Discuss the importance of community resources and support groups. Explore ways to connect families with relevant services.
  • Working within the Healthcare System. Address challenges and opportunities in collaborating with medical professionals. Advocate for improved perinatal loss care practices within healthcare institutions.
  • Practical considerations: creating a community of practice with end-of-life doulas.
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This class in amazing opportunity to continue your professional development  while serving families who are navigating some of life's most challenging experiences.   We aim to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and empathy necessary to provide meaningful support to families experiencing perinatal loss. By addressing various aspects of perinatal loss, effective communication, self-care, and creating a supportive environment, professionals can offer a valuable source of comfort during one of the most challenging times in a family's life.  Meet others and create connections
*Taught by Educator Michelle Tyliakos & Christa Ovenell.   Class is not recorded.  If you are unable to attend, you must give 24 hour advance notice in writing to [email protected] . You will be able to transfer your registration to another person,  attend this class at the next offering, or  put funds towards another class.  Refunds will not be given.