Presentation Information
2026 Presentations:
Every year, GOLD Midwifery Online Conference invites top researchers and clinicians in the field of labour & delivery to present on current and emerging evidence-based education. Enjoy a well-rounded program that offers a wide range of research, and clinical skills to assist in the advancement of your practice and optimal outcomes for the families in your care.
All talks are presented live during set times, with recordings of each session being available throughout the conference period. Conveniently access presentations at your own pace, enjoying all the benefits and features our online conference has to offer. New to GOLD Midwifery? Learn how the online conference works here.
GOLD Midwifery 2026 offers 14.5 hours of education.for the main conference, with the option to extend your conference experience with 4 highly informative Add-on Lecture Packages:
- Postpartum Care in Practice: Clinical Strategies for Physical and Emotional Recovery
- Advancing the Art of Breech Birth
- Comprehensive Care for Six Newborn Challenges: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Support
- Latched & Attached: Strategies for Neurodevelopment, Bonding & Effective Feeding
We invite you to learn more about the 2026 topics and abstracts below.
2026 Main Presentations:
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Advancing Your Intermittent Auscultation Skills
by Claire Feeley, RM, BSc(Hons), MSc, PhD 60 mins
This presentation will explore the skill of intermittent auscultation. First in context of the wider changes to fetal monitoring, the rise of continuous electronic fetal monitoring and CTGs to then explore the evidence to ensure a foundational knowledge is conveyed. Thereafter, we will explore fetal wellbeing, parameters of ‘normal’ vs ‘abnormal’ crucially, in context of the wider holistic clinical picture to help understand fetal wellbeing assessments, when to intervene or escalate. Finally, we will explore the practice of IA, the what, when and how with practice-based tips shared for how to advance this skill.
Create a Reminder09-02-2026 16:00 09-02-2026 17:00 35 Advancing Your Intermittent Auscultation Skills This presentation will explore the skill of intermittent auscultation. First in context of the wider changes to fetal monitoring, the rise of continuous electronic fetal monitoring and CTGs to then explore the evidence to ensure a foundational knowledge is conveyed. Thereafter, we will explore fetal wellbeing, parameters of ‘normal’ vs ‘abnormal’ crucially, in context of the wider holistic clinical picture to help understand fetal wellbeing assessments, when to intervene or escalate. Finally, we will explore the practice of IA, the what, when and how with practice-based tips shared for how to advance this skill. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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At the Crossroads: Community-Based Midwives and the Legal World
by Wendi Cleckner, LM, CPM, JD 60 mins
Midwives working in home birth and birth center settings often face unique legal challenges that require both clinical skill and legal awareness. This session explores the intersection of midwifery and the law, offering practical, judgment-free guidance to help midwives navigate their responsibilities with confidence. Topics include strategies for reducing legal risk, improving documentation, informed consent, understanding scope of practice, advocating for clearer regulations that support community-based care, and managing investigations or complaints. As both a practicing midwife and a practicing attorney, I will provide tools that midwives can apply immediately to strengthen their practice and reduce legal vulnerability. Whether you're new to practice or decades in, this session will leave you feeling more protected, empowered, and prepared to provide excellent care in your community.
Create a Reminder17-02-2026 20:00 17-02-2026 21:00 35 At the Crossroads: Community-Based Midwives and the Legal World Midwives working in home birth and birth center settings often face unique legal challenges that require both clinical skill and legal awareness. This session explores the intersection of midwifery and the law, offering practical, judgment-free guidance to help midwives navigate their responsibilities with confidence. Topics include strategies for reducing legal risk, improving documentation, informed consent, understanding scope of practice, advocating for clearer regulations that support community-based care, and managing investigations or complaints. As both a practicing midwife and a practicing attorney, I will provide tools that midwives can apply immediately to strengthen their practice and reduce legal vulnerability. Whether you're new to practice or decades in, this session will leave you feeling more protected, empowered, and prepared to provide excellent care in your community. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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Bonding, Safety, and Savings: The Case for Home-Based Phototherapy
by Miriam Pettersson, MD, PhD 60 mins
Neonatal jaundice/hyperbilirubinemia is common in newborns, and it is also common for otherwise healthy newborns to receive phototherapy to treat the condition. Traditionally phototherapy is performed in a hospital setting, however during the last decades new fiberoptic equipment has made it possible to perform phototherapy at home instead. Some hospitals have implemented home phototherapy but, in most hospitals, newborns still have to be admitted to hospital to receive treatment.
Through recent studies it has been shown that home phototherapy is feasible and safe, that it improves bonding and lessens parental stress, that it is cost effective and that parents feel secure to perform the treatment at home.
Data from studies will be presented during the presentation as well as clinical experience from implementing home treatment successfully at hospitals in Sweden.
Create a Reminder10-02-2026 14:00 10-02-2026 15:00 35 Bonding, Safety, and Savings: The Case for Home-Based Phototherapy Neonatal jaundice/hyperbilirubinemia is common in newborns, and it is also common for otherwise healthy newborns to receive phototherapy to treat the condition. Traditionally phototherapy is performed in a hospital setting, however during the last decades new fiberoptic equipment has made it possible to perform phototherapy at home instead. Some hospitals have implemented home phototherapy but, in most hospitals, newborns still have to be admitted to hospital to receive treatment. Through recent studies it has been shown that home phototherapy is feasible and safe, that it improves bonding and lessens parental stress, that it is cost effective and that parents feel secure to perform the treatment at home. Data from studies will be presented during the presentation as well as clinical experience from implementing home treatment successfully at hospitals in Sweden. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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Bridging the Postpartum Gap: Addressing Long-Term Risks After Gestational Diabetes
by Abigail Corbin, RM MHM 60 mins
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a growing global concern, with rising prevalence and significant implications for both birthing parents and their children. This presentation explores the transition from diagnosis to long-term wellness, emphasizing the critical yet often overlooked postpartum period. We will define GDM, examine its global rise, and highlight the risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) after a GDM diagnosis. The lifelong health impacts on both parent and child will be discussed, alongside systemic barriers—such as gender bias—that contribute to inadequate postpartum follow-up. Central to this conversation is the role of midwives in bridging these gaps, offering holistic, continuous care that empowers patients beyond childbirth. Evidence-based strategies including breastfeeding, lifestyle modifications, and emerging pharmacological options like semaglutides will be reviewed. Finally, we will explore future models of care that prioritize equity, continuity, and prevention, positioning midwifery as a cornerstone in the fight against chronic disease.
Create a Reminder17-02-2026 18:00 17-02-2026 19:00 35 Bridging the Postpartum Gap: Addressing Long-Term Risks After Gestational Diabetes Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a growing global concern, with rising prevalence and significant implications for both birthing parents and their children. This presentation explores the transition from diagnosis to long-term wellness, emphasizing the critical yet often overlooked postpartum period. We will define GDM, examine its global rise, and highlight the risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) after a GDM diagnosis. The lifelong health impacts on both parent and child will be discussed, alongside systemic barriers—such as gender bias—that contribute to inadequate postpartum follow-up. Central to this conversation is the role of midwives in bridging these gaps, offering holistic, continuous care that empowers patients beyond childbirth. Evidence-based strategies including breastfeeding, lifestyle modifications, and emerging pharmacological options like semaglutides will be reviewed. Finally, we will explore future models of care that prioritize equity, continuity, and prevention, positioning midwifery as a cornerstone in the fight against chronic disease. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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Clinical Competencies for Assessment and Repair of Birth-Related Tissue Trauma
by Nell Tharpe, MS CNM, CRNFA, FACNM 60 mins
In this session, learners will gain an understanding of how to use clinical competencies to guide development and refinement of the essential midwifery skills for suturing, wound assessment, and wound closure. Competencies provide a step-by-step guide for learning and provide a framework for skill refinement over time. For learners, competencies can be used to learn skills, assess progress, and formulate and update a personalized learning plan. For educators and preceptors, competencies provide an objective guide for teaching and evaluating learner progress.
Practicing birth equity means that midwives in every birth setting must ensure optimal wound closure and healing is available to each birthing person. In this presentation we’ll explore how competency-based techniques and practices can restore anatomy to its full function and beauty while building skill and confidence in the clinician. The focus of the workshop is on utilizing clinical competencies for suturing, assessment, and repair as tools for acquiring the complex skills of assessment and repair of birth-related lacerations.
Create a Reminder10-02-2026 16:00 10-02-2026 17:00 35 Clinical Competencies for Assessment and Repair of Birth-Related Tissue Trauma In this session, learners will gain an understanding of how to use clinical competencies to guide development and refinement of the essential midwifery skills for suturing, wound assessment, and wound closure. Competencies provide a step-by-step guide for learning and provide a framework for skill refinement over time. For learners, competencies can be used to learn skills, assess progress, and formulate and update a personalized learning plan. For educators and preceptors, competencies provide an objective guide for teaching and evaluating learner progress. Practicing birth equity means that midwives in every birth setting must ensure optimal wound closure and healing is available to each birthing person. In this presentation we’ll explore how competency-based techniques and practices can restore anatomy to its full function and beauty while building skill and confidence in the clinician. The focus of the workshop is on utilizing clinical competencies for suturing, assessment, and repair as tools for acquiring the complex skills of assessment and repair of birth-related lacerations. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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Eating Disorders in the Perinatal Period: A Hidden Crisis in Maternal Care
by Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC 60 mins
The perinatal period is a time of profound physical, emotional, and social change. Yet, it is also a vulnerable window for the emergence, exacerbation, or relapse of eating disorders—conditions often underrecognized in maternal care settings. This presentation will equip midwives and perinatal providers with essential knowledge to better identify, support, and advocate for individuals navigating eating disorders during pregnancy and postpartum.
Drawing on current research and clinical experience, this session will explore the unique presentations of eating disorders in the perinatal period, the intersection between body image changes, nutritional needs, and mental health, and the critical role of compassionate, trauma-informed care. Participants will leave with practical strategies for screening, sensitive communication, referral pathways, and ongoing support to optimize outcomes for both parent and infant.
With eating disorders posing significant risks to maternal and infant health—including poor prenatal weight gain, birth complications, postpartum depression, and impaired bonding—it is imperative that midwives feel confident and competent in addressing this hidden crisis. Together, we can foster a perinatal care model where nourishment and nurture go hand in hand.
Create a Reminder10-02-2026 18:00 10-02-2026 19:00 35 Eating Disorders in the Perinatal Period: A Hidden Crisis in Maternal Care The perinatal period is a time of profound physical, emotional, and social change. Yet, it is also a vulnerable window for the emergence, exacerbation, or relapse of eating disorders—conditions often underrecognized in maternal care settings. This presentation will equip midwives and perinatal providers with essential knowledge to better identify, support, and advocate for individuals navigating eating disorders during pregnancy and postpartum. Drawing on current research and clinical experience, this session will explore the unique presentations of eating disorders in the perinatal period, the intersection between body image changes, nutritional needs, and mental health, and the critical role of compassionate, trauma-informed care. Participants will leave with practical strategies for screening, sensitive communication, referral pathways, and ongoing support to optimize outcomes for both parent and infant. With eating disorders posing significant risks to maternal and infant health—including poor prenatal weight gain, birth complications, postpartum depression, and impaired bonding—it is imperative that midwives feel confident and competent in addressing this hidden crisis. Together, we can foster a perinatal care model where nourishment and nurture go hand in hand. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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Managing POTS During Pregnancy: Empowerment Through Quality Care
by Kate Levick, RN, PhD 60 mins
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex autonomic disorder that disproportionately affects women of childbearing age. Although it is relatively common, awareness of POTS within maternity care remains limited. Clinical guidelines are available but are often underutilised and do not fully address the holistic needs of women with POTS. This can result in inconsistent care and, at times, negative birth experiences.
This presentation provides midwives with an introduction to the pathophysiology and general management of POTS, focusing on its relevance during pregnancy. It draws on qualitative research involving women who had a pre-existing POTS diagnosis before giving birth. The session examines how midwifery care influences both clinical outcomes and personal experiences. Key themes include the importance of choice and agency, the experience of shifting identities, and the role of hope in care.
The presentation also outlines clinical strategies such as recognising symptoms, adapting care plans, and supporting women in creating safe and empowering environments. Women who received compassionate and collaborative care reported more positive and satisfying experiences.
By integrating clinical education with lived experience, this presentation highlights the essential role midwives play in supporting women with POTS. Informed, respectful, and hopeful care can contribute to a safe and empowering pregnancy and birth experience.
Create a Reminder09-02-2026 20:00 09-02-2026 21:00 35 Managing POTS During Pregnancy: Empowerment Through Quality Care Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex autonomic disorder that disproportionately affects women of childbearing age. Although it is relatively common, awareness of POTS within maternity care remains limited. Clinical guidelines are available but are often underutilised and do not fully address the holistic needs of women with POTS. This can result in inconsistent care and, at times, negative birth experiences. This presentation provides midwives with an introduction to the pathophysiology and general management of POTS, focusing on its relevance during pregnancy. It draws on qualitative research involving women who had a pre-existing POTS diagnosis before giving birth. The session examines how midwifery care influences both clinical outcomes and personal experiences. Key themes include the importance of choice and agency, the experience of shifting identities, and the role of hope in care. The presentation also outlines clinical strategies such as recognising symptoms, adapting care plans, and supporting women in creating safe and empowering environments. Women who received compassionate and collaborative care reported more positive and satisfying experiences. By integrating clinical education with lived experience, this presentation highlights the essential role midwives play in supporting women with POTS. Informed, respectful, and hopeful care can contribute to a safe and empowering pregnancy and birth experience. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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Moxibustion for Breech Presentation and Postnatal Recovery
by Loredana Zordan, RM, Acupuncturist 60 mins
Moxibustion is an ancient therapy widely used in Asia, especially in China and Japan. It involves burning dried Artemisia vulgaris (moxa) to apply heat to specific acupuncture points. The warmth penetrates the meridians, stimulates Qi and blood circulation, and helps to eliminate cold and dampness. Moxibustion can be used to support breech baby turning, treat anaemia, and promote postnatal recovery. For breech presentation, a moxa stick is used to warm acupuncture point Bladder 67. Studies suggest that this method is safe and can effectively reduce the number of breech births and, as a result, elective caesarean sections. Offering moxibustion more frequently in breech cases could help avoid unnecessary caesareans, lowering risks for both mother and baby. Moxibustion is also beneficial in treating anaemia during pregnancy. Anaemia can make labour more difficult, with reduced blood levels affecting cervical dilation and making contractions more painful. It also increases the risk of postnatal depression, as the body lacks the energy and resilience needed for recovery. By supporting blood production, moxibustion helps improve birth outcomes, reduce the need for interventions, and enhance emotional wellbeing. Postnatal moxibustion further aids in replenishing Qi and blood, reducing fatigue, and helping to restore physical and emotional balance. This contributes to a smoother postpartum recovery.
Moxibustion is a simple, non-invasive technique that can be used as self-care. It may also be applied by a partner or support person, offering flexibility and personal involvement in the healing process.
Create a Reminder09-02-2026 14:00 09-02-2026 15:00 35 Moxibustion for Breech Presentation and Postnatal Recovery Moxibustion is an ancient therapy widely used in Asia, especially in China and Japan. It involves burning dried Artemisia vulgaris (moxa) to apply heat to specific acupuncture points. The warmth penetrates the meridians, stimulates Qi and blood circulation, and helps to eliminate cold and dampness. Moxibustion can be used to support breech baby turning, treat anaemia, and promote postnatal recovery. For breech presentation, a moxa stick is used to warm acupuncture point Bladder 67. Studies suggest that this method is safe and can effectively reduce the number of breech births and, as a result, elective caesarean sections. Offering moxibustion more frequently in breech cases could help avoid unnecessary caesareans, lowering risks for both mother and baby. Moxibustion is also beneficial in treating anaemia during pregnancy. Anaemia can make labour more difficult, with reduced blood levels affecting cervical dilation and making contractions more painful. It also increases the risk of postnatal depression, as the body lacks the energy and resilience needed for recovery. By supporting blood production, moxibustion helps improve birth outcomes, reduce the need for interventions, and enhance emotional wellbeing. Postnatal moxibustion further aids in replenishing Qi and blood, reducing fatigue, and helping to restore physical and emotional balance. This contributes to a smoother postpartum recovery. Moxibustion is a simple, non-invasive technique that can be used as self-care. It may also be applied by a partner or support person, offering flexibility and personal involvement in the healing process. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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Neonatal Resuscitation Today: New Guidelines, Changing Tools & Getting Priorities Right
by Karen H. Strange, CPM, AAP/NRP Instructor 75 mins
What’s truly essential when a newborn needs resuscitation? In this timely session, we’ll explore the most current updates from the newly released 9th edition of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines, with a focus on what birth professionals need to know now. One of the most significant changes is the expanded role of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA)—a device whose accessibility and effectiveness may shift how resuscitation is approached in out-of-hospital settings. But beyond the tools and techniques, we’ll return to a central question: How do we act precisely, do only what’s needed, and avoid doing harm?
With an emphasis on prioritization and presence, this session offers both practical updates and a framework for resuscitating newborns in a way that is efficient, effective, and as non-traumatic as possible. Whether you're already teaching NRP or attending births, you'll come away with deeper clarity about what matters most—regardless of setting, method, or equipment.
Create a Reminder23-02-2026 17:00 23-02-2026 18:15 35 Neonatal Resuscitation Today: New Guidelines, Changing Tools & Getting Priorities Right What’s truly essential when a newborn needs resuscitation? In this timely session, we’ll explore the most current updates from the newly released 9th edition of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines, with a focus on what birth professionals need to know now. One of the most significant changes is the expanded role of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA)—a device whose accessibility and effectiveness may shift how resuscitation is approached in out-of-hospital settings. But beyond the tools and techniques, we’ll return to a central question: How do we act precisely, do only what’s needed, and avoid doing harm? With an emphasis on prioritization and presence, this session offers both practical updates and a framework for resuscitating newborns in a way that is efficient, effective, and as non-traumatic as possible. Whether you're already teaching NRP or attending births, you'll come away with deeper clarity about what matters most—regardless of setting, method, or equipment. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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Shoulder Dystocia: Beyond Biomechanics
by Nicole Morales, LM CPM 75 mins
Fear of Shoulder dystocia is one of the leading causes of cesarean birth. From big babies to long pushing phases, or even worries about post dates, fear can overshadow learning the practicalities for solving this emergent complication. In this presentation, Nicole Morales addresses normal rotations of the fetal shoulders while highlighting the places in the pelvis that the shoulders are most likely to get caught. We will review timing for action and introduce skills, resources, and maneuvers, including Gail Tully's FlipFLOP that could save a baby.
Create a Reminder02-02-2026 17:00 02-02-2026 18:15 35 Shoulder Dystocia: Beyond Biomechanics Fear of Shoulder dystocia is one of the leading causes of cesarean birth. From big babies to long pushing phases, or even worries about post dates, fear can overshadow learning the practicalities for solving this emergent complication. In this presentation, Nicole Morales addresses normal rotations of the fetal shoulders while highlighting the places in the pelvis that the shoulders are most likely to get caught. We will review timing for action and introduce skills, resources, and maneuvers, including Gail Tully's FlipFLOP that could save a baby. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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Sterile Water Injections: A Sustainable & Effective Option for Addressing Low Back Pain in Labour
by Awube Menlah, RN, CRA, PhD Candidate, FGCNM 60 mins
Around 30% of women in labour experience low back pain, a common challenge during childbirth. Sterile water injections (SWI) have proven effective in managing this pain, as shown in existing studies. Learn more about the evidence available to support sterile water injections as a simple and effective method for managing low-back pain during labour, how to implement them in the clinical setting in a culturally sensitive way and the potential benefits of this method around the globe due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
Create a Reminder17-02-2026 22:00 17-02-2026 23:00 35 Sterile Water Injections: A Sustainable & Effective Option for Addressing Low Back Pain in Labour Around 30% of women in labour experience low back pain, a common challenge during childbirth. Sterile water injections (SWI) have proven effective in managing this pain, as shown in existing studies. Learn more about the evidence available to support sterile water injections as a simple and effective method for managing low-back pain during labour, how to implement them in the clinical setting in a culturally sensitive way and the potential benefits of this method around the globe due to its simplicity and effectiveness. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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The Quiet Wounds of Birth: Exploring Birth Trauma and Healing in Practice
by Panel Discussion 2026 60 mins
Birth is usually seen as a moment of celebration and strength, especially in the case of a normal physiological birth. There are situations however even during an uncomplicated birth that can still result in birth trauma. This panel brings together birth professionals to explore the quiet, often unspoken, experiences of trauma that can occur even in births considered "normal". These wounds may stem from emotional disconnection, unmet expectations, perceived or actual violations of autonomy, family conflicts and more. Together, we will reflect on how trauma presents across diverse birthing experiences, how birth professionals can hold space for healing, and how care practices can be optimized to prioritize dignity, agency, and long-term emotional well-being.
Create a Reminder18-02-2026 18:00 18-02-2026 19:00 35 The Quiet Wounds of Birth: Exploring Birth Trauma and Healing in Practice Birth is usually seen as a moment of celebration and strength, especially in the case of a normal physiological birth. There are situations however even during an uncomplicated birth that can still result in birth trauma. This panel brings together birth professionals to explore the quiet, often unspoken, experiences of trauma that can occur even in births considered "normal". These wounds may stem from emotional disconnection, unmet expectations, perceived or actual violations of autonomy, family conflicts and more. Together, we will reflect on how trauma presents across diverse birthing experiences, how birth professionals can hold space for healing, and how care practices can be optimized to prioritize dignity, agency, and long-term emotional well-being. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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When Care Isn’t There: Lack of Access to Mental Health Services Is Costing Mothers’ Lives
by Rebecca Feldman, CNM, PMHNP-BC 60 mins
This presentation will offer actionable steps that midwives, nurses and all those who work with perinatal families can take to help prevent maternal deaths from suicide and overdose.
The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the industrialized world, and perinatal mental health disorders are the most common complications of pregnancy. Suicide and overdose are the leading causes of maternal death in the U.S., Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway. Worldwide, the majority of maternal deaths related to mental health conditions remain underreported.
Mental health conditions are globally recognized as significant contributors to perinatal health complications. These deaths are largely preventable — yet most mothers who die receive no treatment for their mental health conditions. Though rates vary worldwide, one thing is consistent: all mothers need access to mental health care before, during, and after pregnancy.
Throughout this discussion, we will explore strategies for decreasing maternal mortality related to mental health conditions. Screening is critical, but ineffective without access to quality care. Social determinants of health must be addressed, and stigma around perinatal mood disorders—present across cultures—must be challenged at a societal level. In terms of substance use, most substance-related maternal deaths are due to fentanyl overdose. Frontline providers must be trained to treat perinatal patients, including offering opioid replacement therapy and harm reduction strategies.
With a unified effort from our multiple disciplines, which will be discussed throughout this talk, we can make meaningful strides in reducing preventable deaths and ensuring the well-being of mothers and their families.
Create a Reminder09-02-2026 18:00 09-02-2026 19:00 35 When Care Isn’t There: Lack of Access to Mental Health Services Is Costing Mothers’ Lives This presentation will offer actionable steps that midwives, nurses and all those who work with perinatal families can take to help prevent maternal deaths from suicide and overdose. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the industrialized world, and perinatal mental health disorders are the most common complications of pregnancy. Suicide and overdose are the leading causes of maternal death in the U.S., Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Norway. Worldwide, the majority of maternal deaths related to mental health conditions remain underreported. Mental health conditions are globally recognized as significant contributors to perinatal health complications. These deaths are largely preventable — yet most mothers who die receive no treatment for their mental health conditions. Though rates vary worldwide, one thing is consistent: all mothers need access to mental health care before, during, and after pregnancy. Throughout this discussion, we will explore strategies for decreasing maternal mortality related to mental health conditions. Screening is critical, but ineffective without access to quality care. Social determinants of health must be addressed, and stigma around perinatal mood disorders—present across cultures—must be challenged at a societal level. In terms of substance use, most substance-related maternal deaths are due to fentanyl overdose. Frontline providers must be trained to treat perinatal patients, including offering opioid replacement therapy and harm reduction strategies. With a unified effort from our multiple disciplines, which will be discussed throughout this talk, we can make meaningful strides in reducing preventable deaths and ensuring the well-being of mothers and their families. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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“Let them Cook": Infant Feeding Support for Gen Z & Gen Alpha
by Miranda Buck, RN, RM, IBCLC, PhD 60 mins
The framework of early parenting support has changed over the last ten years to focus more on building responsive relationships and less on managing problems. Fostering connection and understanding infant needs and behaviours is the foundation of infant mental health and parental wellbeing, which then grows healthy, happy families. In the past parents were instructed on how to establish routines and 'train' infants, now trauma informed practice helps parents to understand their baby as a unique person with unique needs.
In this presentation I will describe how we can support responsive infant feeding relationships right from birth. Using well established assessment tools to help parents understand their new babies, and evidence-based approaches, I will describe how birthing support practitioners can harness the chaos and overwhelm of new parenthood to orientate families to their baby as a person. Fundamental to my approach is the magic Gen Z catchphrase ‘Let them Cook’. A newborn, skin to skin, is indeed a little chef in the kitchen and each vocalization, each wriggle, each nuzzle, is a connection building, intentional, and meaningful behaviour. When we let babies cook, we can support more than just how much milk they make.
Create a Reminder18-02-2026 00:00 18-02-2026 01:00 35 “Let them Cook": Infant Feeding Support for Gen Z & Gen Alpha The framework of early parenting support has changed over the last ten years to focus more on building responsive relationships and less on managing problems. Fostering connection and understanding infant needs and behaviours is the foundation of infant mental health and parental wellbeing, which then grows healthy, happy families. In the past parents were instructed on how to establish routines and 'train' infants, now trauma informed practice helps parents to understand their baby as a unique person with unique needs. In this presentation I will describe how we can support responsive infant feeding relationships right from birth. Using well established assessment tools to help parents understand their new babies, and evidence-based approaches, I will describe how birthing support practitioners can harness the chaos and overwhelm of new parenthood to orientate families to their baby as a person. Fundamental to my approach is the magic Gen Z catchphrase ‘Let them Cook’. A newborn, skin to skin, is indeed a little chef in the kitchen and each vocalization, each wriggle, each nuzzle, is a connection building, intentional, and meaningful behaviour. When we let babies cook, we can support more than just how much milk they make. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYY
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