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About the Course

Becoming Trauma Informed ~ a Life-Changing Course

"Transformational"

"From trauma to triumph"


Once you understand the foundational principles of today's technocratic medical maternity system, everything falls into place. You better understand why certain rituals are impervious to change and why many women emerge from their experience scarred, broken, and traumatised.


Learning why some women (and all humans) are more vulnerable to birth trauma and others are not adds many more pieces to the puzzle. 


But the best part is learning there are solutions. There are certain attitudes, communication, and behaviours that mark trauma informed care that not only prevents and heals trauma in the recipient of this care, but also in the one who provides it. You may have had many unfortunate events in your background making you more vulnerable, but there is hope for recovery, resilience, and renewal.

What Others Have said

This online course has been offered across several continents and has made a profound difference in the lives and work of those who participated. Read what others have said about this course.

Find out more

What Makes This Course Different?

This is for us


One of the hopes for this online course was that it would introduce a key missing element in global maternity systems. It was written with a vision to see all medical maternity service providers and institutions become skilled in trauma informed care and to see a dramatic shift away from the ritual traumatisation of birthing women.


The reality is that these established systems are not interested in changing their existing power structures and protecting their clients from birth trauma.


Instead, this is for us. It's for those of us who want to better understand how and why our births were traumatic and need concrete solutions for recovery. It's for our grandparents and loved ones, for advocates, for complementary health care providers, for birth companions, birth keepers, midwives and nurses. It's for all of us who want better for ourselves, our children, and our society.


Fully Online


The course is hosted in a private proprietary network that is free from observation and censorship. You can access the course through the website on your computer or by accessing it through an app on your devices. You can study anywhere, anytime.


Comprehensive


This course takes a deep dive into the causes and the solutions of birth-related trauma offering 65 professional education hours. You’ll learn from 93 topics taught over 9 learning modules backed by nearly 500 academic references.In addition to extensive fully researched content, there are 


  • monthly live tutorials hosted right in the course
  • monthly live study halls where participants connect on zoom to discuss tutorials, course content, and experiences in trauma-informed care
  • 40+ additional learning videos and podcasts
  • 50+ additional online reading resources
  • downloads for your personal and professional use
  • 16 self-care breaks
  • 25 opportunities for reflection and professional growth
  • 15 exercises to build your resources library for use with clients


You'll learn the different categories of trauma along with the signs and symptoms that you, your client, or loved one may be suffering. You'll learn why 'mal-adaptive' behaviours are actually 'adaptive' behaviours and how to approach your client or loved one from a resilience-based perspective that affirms their coping strategies and builds on their ability to navigate and survive with growing wellness.You'll learn what defines a traumatic birth and those specific elements that contribute to it so you know exactly what you're looking for, what you're avoiding, and how you'll be approaching your clients or supporting your loved ones.You'll learn specific trauma-informed practices that not only protect your client, but protect YOU. You will experience greater clinical accuracy, greater client participation in their health programme, and greater job satisfaction with less burnout.You will be introduced to several evidence-based healing modalities that can help you to recover from primary or secondary trauma, as well as to help guide your clients or loved ones onto a more effective path of recovery.


Research-Based


Fortunately, we don’t need to guess about birth-related trauma and trauma-informed care. There is a tremendous amount of research that has informed and shaped this course. This course is backed by nearly 500 academic references that come from multiple disciplines, including:

  • medical, nursing, and midwifery research
  • psychology
  • sociology
  • nutrition science
  • military research
  • genetics and epigenetics
  • epidemeology
  • complementary and alternative medicine


Collaborative


The course is offered in a sensitive and collaborative learning environment. Participants are invited to ask questions, share reflections, post their assignments for others to learn from, debrief experiences together, and engage in healing and wellness challenges. It’s a journey of learning new skills, letting go of old perspectives, and finding a new supportive community that cares about your success and wellbeing.


Self-Paced


You can get started as soon as you register! Log in, set up your profile, perhaps introduce yourself, and get started. From there, it’s up to you how many hours a week you have to devote to this learning. You can go full-on, take a break, pace yourself, or work with a study-buddy. There are calendars to download to help keep you on track to complete the course within the time frame you set for yourself: 4 months, 6 months, or a year. 


All throughout the course there are numerous opportunities to connect with fellow learners to ask questions, share new insights, offer tips that are working for you, and support one another. You can initiate or join a discussion that is specific to your role, unpack a traumatic experience, or look for support or mentoring through a challenging situation, or share what's working for you as you recover from primary or vicarious trauma.


This is a research based approach to understanding the causes and cures for birth-related trauma wrapped inside a collaborative, interactive, and supportive community that cares about you and getting you the results you need.


“I feel this course offered flexibility with assignments and working at your own pace. It was very informative and something everyone would benefit in taking. This course will enhance one’s skills when interacting with clients.” — CINDY, GRADUATE

Course Syllabus

DEFINING A TRAUMATIC BIRTH EXPERIENCE


  • Content Caution 
  • Course Goals 
  • Language 
  • Keeping a Reflective Journal 
  • Preparing a Resources Folder 
  • Historical Perspective 
  • Trauma: A Matter of Perception


POSTPARTUM POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER


  • Trauma and the DSM-V 
  • Symptoms of Trauma 
  • Triggers 
  • Partner Trauma 
  • Defining the Mother's Experience 
  • Secondary Wounding 
  • Screening Tools


EFFECTS OF TRAUMA


  • Loss of Identity 
  • Loss of Skills 
  • Loss of Trust 
  • Relationship Problems and Effects on Partners 
  • Mother Infant Relationship 
  • Breastfeeding Failure or Success 
  • Loss of Sexual Interest 
  • Sleep Disturbances 
  • Health Problems 
  • Changes in Brain Structure and Function 
  • Future Obstetric Problems 
  • Suicide


RISK FACTORS FOR TRAUMA


  • Being Female 
  • A Mother with PTSD 
  • Lacking a Support System 
  • Cross Cultural Considerations 
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences 
  • Experiencing Intense or Long-Lasting Trauma 
  • History of Abuse 
  • Birth Anxiety 
  • Other Medical Conditions 
  • Nutritional Deficits


FACILITY-BASED ABUSE AND OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE


  • Defining Obstetric Violence 
  • Identifying Obstetric Violence 
  • Medicalisation of Birth 
  • Racism in Health Care Services 
  • Informed Consent 
  • Expecting a Negative Experience 
  • Issues in Obstetric Violence 
  • Trauma in Care Providers 
  • Roadblocks to Change 
  • Moral Courage 
  • Agents of Change


NUTRITION FOR THE TRAUMA-INJURED BRAIN


  • Fats 
  • Carbohydrates 
  • Proteins 
  • Vitamins and Minerals 
  • Gut Flora 
  • Food Security and Social Disparities


HEALING STRATEGIES


  • Options Available 
  • Peer Support 
  • Trauma Narratives and Narrative Therapy 
  • Identifying Triggers 
  • Redefining Boundaries 
  • Oxytocin 
  • Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing 
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 
  • Cross Cultural Considerations 
  • Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy 
  • Improving Sleep 
  • Lucid Dreaming
  • Yoga 
  • Ecotherapy
  • Art Therapy 
  • Music Therapy 
  • Prayer and Meditation 
  • Emerging From the Darkness


TRAUMA INFORMED PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE


  • Trauma Basics 
  • Trauma Informed Principles 
  • Applying Trauma Informed Principles in the Labour Ward 
  • Safety 
  • The Birth Plan 
  • Arrival at the Delivery Ward 
  • Consent & Declining Care 
  • Trustworthiness & Transparency 
  • Peer Support & Mutual Self-Help 
  • Collaboration & Mutuality 
  • Empowerment, Voice, & Choice 
  • Cultural, Historical & Gender Issues - the failure of the DEI initiative 
  • Physician Burnout 
  • Midwife Burnout 
  • Nurse Burnout 
  • Organisational Strategies to Reduce Burnout 
  • Doula Burnout 
  • Resilience Training 
  • Providing Empathetic Care 
  • Trauma-Informed NICU 
  • The Trauma-Informed Doula


BIRTHING AFTER TRAUMA


  • Unassisted Childbirth 
  • Post-Traumatic Growth Through Childbirth 
  • Preparing for Birth - The Reality 
  • Conclusion

FAQs

How long is the course?


This online course provides 65 professional education hours. Investing 5-10 hours a week on course content and assignments, you can expect to complete this course in 2-4 months. It’s entirely self-paced and up to you how much time you have to invest and when you would like to complete it. Our downloadable course calendars will help you meet your completion goals.


How much does it cost?


The cost includes everything with no additional or hidden fees: 

  • $788 CAD
  • $625 USD
  • $856 AUD
  • €550 EURO


Are there any prerequisites?


There are no prerequisites. It may include technical language unfamiliar to people who are not working in birth but will not detract from the overall content and importance of this information. Any time you need help with a topic, just ask! It’s a collaborative learning environment where we’re all here to see each other succeed.


What if I decide this course isn’t for me?


You can request a refund within 24 hours of registration. You will be removed from the course and your investment will be refunded less a $50 USD administrative fee. After 24 hours there is no refund. The course cannot be transferred to another person.


Will I get a certificate?


Yes. You’ll need to meet the course requirements for completion and when you’re ready, you can submit a request for a Certificate of Completion along with your final graduation assignment. Your final submission will be reviewed and if successful, you’ll be granted your Certificate and a badge you can display on your websites and other branding that show you have the knowledge and skills to offer trauma informed care.


Can I count the course hours towards my Continuing Professional Development requirements?


This course comprises 65 (60 minute) continuing professional development hours (CPD), sometimes called 'points' or 'credits'. Most midwifery, doula, and other professions' governing colleges or registration boards do not require that these hours be accredited by any particular organisation. Rather, the professional is required to record these educational hours and be able to provide proof of enrolment and completion. Please check with your profession's governing body in your country for information specific to you.


What are the requirements for completion?


You’ll need to read through all the information as well as additional videos and links. It’s suggested that you participate in some of the discussions after assignments or post some of your completed assignments to get the most out of your learning experience. When you are ready, there is a Graduation Assignment to download and complete. This assignment consists of 4 questions that require thoughtful and reflective answers. Your answers will demonstrate your understanding of the course material and the skills you have developed as a result.


Where is the course hosted?


The course is hosted in a private network The Harrigan Hive. This network is free to join and offers a private member association for those who would like to create change for themselves and their families in the private realm with like-minded people. The course is private and only accessible to those who have registered for the course. 


I’m not in North America, is this for me?


Yes! This course was written from an international perspective and has been taught to students on 4 continents (so far). It draws from research conducted in multiple countries, and considers cultural influences, disparities based on ethnicity, religion, and economics, and how the export of European-centric obstetrics has impacted birth outcomes worldwide.


How do I get started?


Click on the button below and get started today!

Enrol Now

Once you enrol in the course you can begin learning right away. You'll join a community of  compassionate learners who are committed to healing themselves and their community from birth trauma through trauma informed care. 

Learn more about course enrolment.

Course Enrolment

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