Presentation Information
2021 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. This year’s program 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 2021 offers 12+ hours of education.for the main conference, with the option to extend your conference experience with 2 or more highly informative Add-on Lecture Packages.
2021 Main Presentations:
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Antenatal Fetal Surveillance Made Easy
by Nathan Riley, MD 60 mins
Attendees will come to understand the underlying physiology behind antenatal surveillance methods, including non-stress testing, biophysical profiling, amniotic fluid assessment, and fetal Doppler velocimetry. Many pregnant families have difficulty understanding the nature of antenatal fetal surveillance, and have even more challenge deciphering the results. This lecture will help practitioners effectively counsel pregnant patients on result interpretation and provide tools to help families make educated decisions based on the antenatal fetal surveillance results.
Create a Reminder16-02-2021 20:00 16-02-2021 21:00 35 Antenatal Fetal Surveillance Made Easy Attendees will come to understand the underlying physiology behind antenatal surveillance methods, including non-stress testing, biophysical profiling, amniotic fluid assessment, and fetal Doppler velocimetry. Many pregnant families have difficulty understanding the nature of antenatal fetal surveillance, and have even more challenge deciphering the results. This lecture will help practitioners effectively counsel pregnant patients on result interpretation and provide tools to help families make educated decisions based on the antenatal fetal surveillance results. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Assessment and Management of Fear in Childbirth
by Jenny Gamble, Midwife, PhD, CF, SFHEA 60 mins
There is growing evidence that fear of childbirth (FOC) is an issue of importance for women’s emotional and psychological well-being. For some women symptoms are severe and disabling. A previous traumatic birth experience, sexual abuse, and traumatic childbirth stories of others and media may contribute to fear of giving birth.
Fear of childbirth has negative implications for women’s experiences of pregnancy and birth including longer labour, increased likelihood of augmentation of labour, emergency caesarean section, and elective caesarean section.
Access to services for women with fear of childbirth appears to be inequitable and various approaches and interventions are used. Assessment tools are available and readily implemented in practice to identify women fearful of childbirth and the severity of fear feelings, however a trauma informed approach to talking with fearful women is essential to discover the factors related to the fear and the commencement of a therapeutic relationship.
There is some evidence about interventions to help women fearful of childbirth. The webinar will assist midwives and nurses working in maternity know how to respond to fearful women and provide practical information about what to do, what to say and what not to say to support women experiencing fear of childbirth.Create a Reminder10-02-2021 00:00 10-02-2021 01:00 35 Assessment and Management of Fear in Childbirth There is growing evidence that fear of childbirth (FOC) is an issue of importance for women’s emotional and psychological well-being. For some women symptoms are severe and disabling. A previous traumatic birth experience, sexual abuse, and traumatic childbirth stories of others and media may contribute to fear of giving birth. Fear of childbirth has negative implications for women’s experiences of pregnancy and birth including longer labour, increased likelihood of augmentation of labour, emergency caesarean section, and elective caesarean section. Access to services for women with fear of childbirth appears to be inequitable and various approaches and interventions are used. Assessment tools are available and readily implemented in practice to identify women fearful of childbirth and the severity of fear feelings, however a trauma informed approach to talking with fearful women is essential to discover the factors related to the fear and the commencement of a therapeutic relationship. There is some evidence about interventions to help women fearful of childbirth. The webinar will assist midwives and nurses working in maternity know how to respond to fearful women and provide practical information about what to do, what to say and what not to say to support women experiencing fear of childbirth. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Attachment Begins in Utero: The Vital Role of Facilitating Parental-Foetal Bonding
by Ruth Oshikanlu, RN RM RSCPHN BSc MSc DUniv 75 mins
Parental-foetal attachment is the emotional attachment between an expectant parent and their foetus and is a complex concept. Midwives have a vital role in promoting parental-foetal attachment. The presentation will outline the importance of promoting parental-foetal attachment and how expectant parents can connect with their babies in utero. This presentation will discuss how expectant parents have been supported during the pandemic to manage their fear, anxiety and stress, parental and partner separation.
It will conclude with the use of the items of antenatal attachment scales to discuss and suggest ways of promoting antenatal attachment to expectant parents. By collaboratively working between midwives, midwives can identify those that may be at risk of poor parental-foetal attachment, and ensure that coordinated, consistent and seamless care is provided for these families.Create a Reminder22-02-2021 16:00 22-02-2021 17:15 35 Attachment Begins in Utero: The Vital Role of Facilitating Parental-Foetal Bonding Parental-foetal attachment is the emotional attachment between an expectant parent and their foetus and is a complex concept. Midwives have a vital role in promoting parental-foetal attachment. The presentation will outline the importance of promoting parental-foetal attachment and how expectant parents can connect with their babies in utero. This presentation will discuss how expectant parents have been supported during the pandemic to manage their fear, anxiety and stress, parental and partner separation. It will conclude with the use of the items of antenatal attachment scales to discuss and suggest ways of promoting antenatal attachment to expectant parents. By collaboratively working between midwives, midwives can identify those that may be at risk of poor parental-foetal attachment, and ensure that coordinated, consistent and seamless care is provided for these families. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Caring for Three Generations at a Time: Clinical Prenatal Care of Individuals With Obesity
by Cecilia Jevitt, PhD, RM, CNM, APRN, FACNM 60 mins
Obesity affects more than 35% of women ages 20-39 in the United States. This presentation will summarize recent research that reconceptualizes obesity as adipose disease associated with smoking; socio-economic disparities in employment, education, health care access, food quality and availability; and environmental toxins, ultimately altering microbiomes and epigenetics. Obesity is an adaptation to an unhealthy environment more than poor individual eating choices. The female fetus forms her lifetime complement of ova during pregnancy; therefore, the effects of obesity may affect three generations in one pregnancy.
Individual prenatal care of women with obesity includes early testing for diabetes, counseling on epigenetic diets, advice supporting weight gain within national guidelines, and vigilance for signs of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Intrapartum care includes mechanical cervical ripening measures, patience with prolonged labor and uterotonic medication readiness in the event of postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum care includes thrombus risk amelioration through early ambulation, use of compression stockings and anticoagulation. Delays in lactogenesis II can be offset by measures to support early breastfeeding. Sociopolitical actions for midwives at national, state and community levels to reduce population disparities in racism, education, employment; reduce pollution from obesogenic chemicals and improvement of food quality and distribution policies will be reviewed.Create a Reminder08-02-2021 18:00 08-02-2021 19:00 35 Caring for Three Generations at a Time: Clinical Prenatal Care of Individuals With Obesity Obesity affects more than 35% of women ages 20-39 in the United States. This presentation will summarize recent research that reconceptualizes obesity as adipose disease associated with smoking; socio-economic disparities in employment, education, health care access, food quality and availability; and environmental toxins, ultimately altering microbiomes and epigenetics. Obesity is an adaptation to an unhealthy environment more than poor individual eating choices. The female fetus forms her lifetime complement of ova during pregnancy; therefore, the effects of obesity may affect three generations in one pregnancy. Individual prenatal care of women with obesity includes early testing for diabetes, counseling on epigenetic diets, advice supporting weight gain within national guidelines, and vigilance for signs of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Intrapartum care includes mechanical cervical ripening measures, patience with prolonged labor and uterotonic medication readiness in the event of postpartum hemorrhage. Postpartum care includes thrombus risk amelioration through early ambulation, use of compression stockings and anticoagulation. Delays in lactogenesis II can be offset by measures to support early breastfeeding. Sociopolitical actions for midwives at national, state and community levels to reduce population disparities in racism, education, employment; reduce pollution from obesogenic chemicals and improvement of food quality and distribution policies will be reviewed. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Epilepsy in Pregnancy: Reducing Risks with a Multiprofessional Healthcare Team
by Kim Morley, MSc, INP, RM, RN 60 mins
Epilepsy is a pre-existing, neurological disease present in 0.3%-0.5% of all pregnancies and is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality during the pregnancy continuum. These risks are often determined long before conception. This is because epilepsy and its treatment can impact on: education, employment, safety, menstruation, sexuality, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting, bone health, mental health, quality of life, driving status and independence. This trajectory and the quality of care received during the epilepsy journey can influence pregnancy presentation and outcome. The extremes can be a woman who has received expert epilepsy care and preconception preparation to ensure the risks were minimized when embarking on a planned pregnancy versus a woman who presents with an unplanned pregnancy having received no counselling, no epilepsy specialist care, prescribed a medication that is high risk to a developing baby whilst having uncontrolled seizures. These extremes highlight the need for maternity healthcare professionals to have awareness about the potential health burden associated with epilepsy, knowledge about seizure presentation and management, information about epilepsy treatments and understanding about potential risks to the women and her developing baby and how to reduce risks during pregnancy through joined-up, holistic, multi-professional healthcare provision.
Create a Reminder16-02-2021 16:00 16-02-2021 17:00 35 Epilepsy in Pregnancy: Reducing Risks with a Multiprofessional Healthcare Team Epilepsy is a pre-existing, neurological disease present in 0.3%-0.5% of all pregnancies and is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality during the pregnancy continuum. These risks are often determined long before conception. This is because epilepsy and its treatment can impact on: education, employment, safety, menstruation, sexuality, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, breastfeeding, parenting, bone health, mental health, quality of life, driving status and independence. This trajectory and the quality of care received during the epilepsy journey can influence pregnancy presentation and outcome. The extremes can be a woman who has received expert epilepsy care and preconception preparation to ensure the risks were minimized when embarking on a planned pregnancy versus a woman who presents with an unplanned pregnancy having received no counselling, no epilepsy specialist care, prescribed a medication that is high risk to a developing baby whilst having uncontrolled seizures. These extremes highlight the need for maternity healthcare professionals to have awareness about the potential health burden associated with epilepsy, knowledge about seizure presentation and management, information about epilepsy treatments and understanding about potential risks to the women and her developing baby and how to reduce risks during pregnancy through joined-up, holistic, multi-professional healthcare provision. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Indigenous Midwifery in Canada: A Primer for Improving Health and Well-Being
by Karen Lawford, PhD, RM, AM 60 mins
Since the formation of Canada in 1867, the Canadian government has systematically imposed a Euro-Western biomedical model of maternity care on Indigenous peoples. Colonialism and white supremacy rationalized the development of the Indian Residential School system with Christian organizations in attempts to “kill the Indian in the child.” Government goals were to civilize and assimilate Indigenous Peoples into a generic Canadian identity for the sake of nation building and colonial expansion. Eugenic ideologies underpinned the reduction of Indigenous populations through the forced, coercive, and covert sterilization of Indigenous women and girls. In Canada, two provinces had a Sexual Sterilization Act (Alberta and British Columbia), although it was practiced throughout the country. In the area of maternity care, Canadian healthcare systems have consistently failed Indigenous people and their children as evidenced by having highest IMR in Canada. Despite this, Indigenous midwifery and improved child and maternal health for Indigenous people, families, and communities can be realized. A return of birth to the land, recognition of Indigenous women’s and Two Spirit leadership in the provision of excellent culturally-informed, anti-colonial maternity care will contribute to the improved health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples.
Create a Reminder09-02-2021 20:00 09-02-2021 21:00 35 Indigenous Midwifery in Canada: A Primer for Improving Health and Well-Being Since the formation of Canada in 1867, the Canadian government has systematically imposed a Euro-Western biomedical model of maternity care on Indigenous peoples. Colonialism and white supremacy rationalized the development of the Indian Residential School system with Christian organizations in attempts to “kill the Indian in the child.” Government goals were to civilize and assimilate Indigenous Peoples into a generic Canadian identity for the sake of nation building and colonial expansion. Eugenic ideologies underpinned the reduction of Indigenous populations through the forced, coercive, and covert sterilization of Indigenous women and girls. In Canada, two provinces had a Sexual Sterilization Act (Alberta and British Columbia), although it was practiced throughout the country. In the area of maternity care, Canadian healthcare systems have consistently failed Indigenous people and their children as evidenced by having highest IMR in Canada. Despite this, Indigenous midwifery and improved child and maternal health for Indigenous people, families, and communities can be realized. A return of birth to the land, recognition of Indigenous women’s and Two Spirit leadership in the provision of excellent culturally-informed, anti-colonial maternity care will contribute to the improved health and wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Midwives Hold a Key: Opening Doors to Early Parenting and Breastfeeding Success
by Jan Tedder, BSN, FNP, IBCLC 60 mins
Research confirms that misunderstanding a baby’s behavior decreases breastfeeding duration, lowers parent confidence and increases stress and postpartum depression. Literature on “Responsive Parenting” confirms how learning to notice, understand and respond appropriately to a baby’s behavior positively impacts early parenting, breastfeeding duration and the growth and development of a baby. Midwives are uniquely positioned to enhance a family’s ability to meet their parenting and breastfeeding goals. However, other research suggest that information provided patients does not always meet the needs of today’s young families. This presentation reviews efficient, cost-effective tools, tips and techniques that foster “Responsive Parenting”, boost the confidence of new parents and help families meet their breastfeeding goals.
Create a Reminder16-02-2021 18:00 16-02-2021 19:00 35 Midwives Hold a Key: Opening Doors to Early Parenting and Breastfeeding Success Research confirms that misunderstanding a baby’s behavior decreases breastfeeding duration, lowers parent confidence and increases stress and postpartum depression. Literature on “Responsive Parenting” confirms how learning to notice, understand and respond appropriately to a baby’s behavior positively impacts early parenting, breastfeeding duration and the growth and development of a baby. Midwives are uniquely positioned to enhance a family’s ability to meet their parenting and breastfeeding goals. However, other research suggest that information provided patients does not always meet the needs of today’s young families. This presentation reviews efficient, cost-effective tools, tips and techniques that foster “Responsive Parenting”, boost the confidence of new parents and help families meet their breastfeeding goals. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Perspectives on the Impact of COVID-19 on Birthing Families and their Care Providers
by Panel Discussion 2021 60 mins
The emergence of the global COVID-19 pandemic brought with it an unprecedented impact on birthing families and their care providers. The upheaval and uncertainties associated with changing policies and procedures, the challenges of shifting certain aspect of care to the virtual world, and the trauma experienced by birthing parents, babies and care providers alike, will have long lasting effects. This panel brings together midwives from different areas of the world to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on parents, babies, and care providers and the implications for the profession moving forward.
Create a Reminder10-02-2021 18:00 10-02-2021 19:00 35 Perspectives on the Impact of COVID-19 on Birthing Families and their Care Providers The emergence of the global COVID-19 pandemic brought with it an unprecedented impact on birthing families and their care providers. The upheaval and uncertainties associated with changing policies and procedures, the challenges of shifting certain aspect of care to the virtual world, and the trauma experienced by birthing parents, babies and care providers alike, will have long lasting effects. This panel brings together midwives from different areas of the world to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on parents, babies, and care providers and the implications for the profession moving forward. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Postpartum Haemorrhage: Non-pharmacological Treatment for Primary Care Midwives
by Haaritha Boltman-Binkowski, Nurse Educator, CNM 60 mins
Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the most preventable causes of maternal death, yet it still ranks as one of the main conditions responsible for maternal mortality. PPH has serious adverse effects on maternal health including death, adult respiratory distress syndrome, coagulation disorders, shock, hysterectomy and loss of fertility. As bleeding after delivery is expected, women often do not realize the seriousness of their condition until it is too late and often do not survive to be referred to a more specialized level of care.
The diagnosis and management of PPH is complex, with the main challenge being the visual assessment of blood loss. As women are not able to warn healthcare providers timeously about their condition, the situation is compounded by poor clinical assessments, a lack of accuracy in diagnosis, lack of resources, and differing methods of treatment . Most of the primary maternity care in South Africa is provided by midwives, and the overall quality of care during the management of PPH is poor. In addition, the scope of practice of midwives is limited. Unless a registered midwife has a prescribing license, they may not administer any medications, with the exception of oxytocin. Midwives may also not perform any surgical interventions.
The purpose of this presentation will be to present evidence-based, effective, non-pharmacological methods of treating postpartum haemorrhage, which primary care midwives may find valuable in their practice.Create a Reminder08-02-2021 14:00 08-02-2021 15:00 35 Postpartum Haemorrhage: Non-pharmacological Treatment for Primary Care Midwives Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the most preventable causes of maternal death, yet it still ranks as one of the main conditions responsible for maternal mortality. PPH has serious adverse effects on maternal health including death, adult respiratory distress syndrome, coagulation disorders, shock, hysterectomy and loss of fertility. As bleeding after delivery is expected, women often do not realize the seriousness of their condition until it is too late and often do not survive to be referred to a more specialized level of care. The diagnosis and management of PPH is complex, with the main challenge being the visual assessment of blood loss. As women are not able to warn healthcare providers timeously about their condition, the situation is compounded by poor clinical assessments, a lack of accuracy in diagnosis, lack of resources, and differing methods of treatment . Most of the primary maternity care in South Africa is provided by midwives, and the overall quality of care during the management of PPH is poor. In addition, the scope of practice of midwives is limited. Unless a registered midwife has a prescribing license, they may not administer any medications, with the exception of oxytocin. Midwives may also not perform any surgical interventions. The purpose of this presentation will be to present evidence-based, effective, non-pharmacological methods of treating postpartum haemorrhage, which primary care midwives may find valuable in their practice. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Protecting the Caesarean Birth Wound From Surgical Wound Complications(SWC)
by Leonie Rastas, RN.RM.FACN 60 mins
The presentation will describe the Caesarean section procedure and layers of tissue involved in the surgery including the techniques for wound closure. Surgical wound complications (SWC)will be discussed along with characteristics, and diagnostics involved. Best practice wound care, dressings and hygiene will be outlined. The signs and symptoms of wound dehiscence and infections will be described as well as management. Risk factors for delayed healing and SWC’s will be outlined and preventative measures discussed. World trends and statistics for Surgical birth and SWC’s will be highlighted.
Create a Reminder09-02-2021 22:00 09-02-2021 23:00 35 Protecting the Caesarean Birth Wound From Surgical Wound Complications(SWC) The presentation will describe the Caesarean section procedure and layers of tissue involved in the surgery including the techniques for wound closure. Surgical wound complications (SWC)will be discussed along with characteristics, and diagnostics involved. Best practice wound care, dressings and hygiene will be outlined. The signs and symptoms of wound dehiscence and infections will be described as well as management. Risk factors for delayed healing and SWC’s will be outlined and preventative measures discussed. World trends and statistics for Surgical birth and SWC’s will be highlighted. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Resolving Labour Dystocia Through Improved Understanding of Birth Biomechanics
by Molly O'Brien, Rm BSc 60 mins
In order to resolve labor dystocia in an effective and holistic manner, a deeper understanding of pelvic anatomy and physiology is required. Pelvic dynamics, the mechanical relationship between the pelvis and the rest of the body, and the dynamic interaction of the mother/baby dyad offer the chance to view birth through different eyes. This knowledge can help the health care provider to recognise activities and lifestyles that increase the chances of labour dystocia. Furthermore, this understanding will help providers identify signs of a mechanical disruption during the birth process. This presentation will offer timely techniques and positions, based on the principles of biomechanics, that increase space in the pelvis and avoid medical intervention.
Create a Reminder08-02-2021 16:00 08-02-2021 17:00 35 Resolving Labour Dystocia Through Improved Understanding of Birth Biomechanics In order to resolve labor dystocia in an effective and holistic manner, a deeper understanding of pelvic anatomy and physiology is required. Pelvic dynamics, the mechanical relationship between the pelvis and the rest of the body, and the dynamic interaction of the mother/baby dyad offer the chance to view birth through different eyes. This knowledge can help the health care provider to recognise activities and lifestyles that increase the chances of labour dystocia. Furthermore, this understanding will help providers identify signs of a mechanical disruption during the birth process. This presentation will offer timely techniques and positions, based on the principles of biomechanics, that increase space in the pelvis and avoid medical intervention. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
The Value of Prenatal Hand Expression of Colostrum
by Almereau Prollius, MBChB, MMED (O&G), FCOG (SA), FRCSC Naida Hawkins, RN BscN, IBCLC 60 mins
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is currently recommended by numerous health authorities including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, and should be encouraged and supported prenatally, perinatally and postpartum. Despite these recommendations, the rate of sustained breastfeeding to six months of life remain low. Prenatal hand expression (PHE) is a method used to assist with colostrum collection beginning near term pregnancy. This technique is low-cost and easy to teach and learn. It has been shown to reduce problems with milk stasis, mastitis and breast engorgement by mobilizing colostrum and breastmilk. Learn more about how this technique can improve breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and how to implement it in your practice.
Create a Reminder16-02-2021 22:00 16-02-2021 23:00 35 The Value of Prenatal Hand Expression of Colostrum Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is currently recommended by numerous health authorities including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, and should be encouraged and supported prenatally, perinatally and postpartum. Despite these recommendations, the rate of sustained breastfeeding to six months of life remain low. Prenatal hand expression (PHE) is a method used to assist with colostrum collection beginning near term pregnancy. This technique is low-cost and easy to teach and learn. It has been shown to reduce problems with milk stasis, mastitis and breast engorgement by mobilizing colostrum and breastmilk. Learn more about how this technique can improve breastfeeding exclusivity and duration and how to implement it in your practice. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic -
Trauma-Informed Pelvic Care In the Time of COVID-19
by Stephanie Tillman, CNM 75 mins
The framework of trauma-informed care first emerged in the 1990s, proposed by sexual assault survivors as a structure for safe engagement with healthcare institutions and providers. Decades later, this approach to intimate care continues to exist more in theory than in standard practice. Exceptionalized circumstances in obstetrics and gynecology, such as the first pelvic exam, care for patients with a known history of sexual assault, or care for queer communities, often embody the ideals of trauma-informed care that could easily be extrapolated to all care interactions. The importance of intentionality in intimate care, including consent processes as well as physical touch, is all the more critical given publicized cases of providers physically and sexually assaulting patients. Further, as COVID-19 continues to affect individuals and communities worldwide, trauma now touches every person’s life in new and challenging ways. This holds the opportunity to facilitate a connected empathy between patients and providers, and thus a new possibility to integrate trauma-informed care into practice. This presentation will review the framework of trauma-informed care, detail best practices for pelvic care, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on intimate examinations, and challenge providers to modify current practices in order to create safe environments for empowering healthcare experiences.
Create a Reminder01-02-2021 17:00 01-02-2021 18:15 35 Trauma-Informed Pelvic Care In the Time of COVID-19 The framework of trauma-informed care first emerged in the 1990s, proposed by sexual assault survivors as a structure for safe engagement with healthcare institutions and providers. Decades later, this approach to intimate care continues to exist more in theory than in standard practice. Exceptionalized circumstances in obstetrics and gynecology, such as the first pelvic exam, care for patients with a known history of sexual assault, or care for queer communities, often embody the ideals of trauma-informed care that could easily be extrapolated to all care interactions. The importance of intentionality in intimate care, including consent processes as well as physical touch, is all the more critical given publicized cases of providers physically and sexually assaulting patients. Further, as COVID-19 continues to affect individuals and communities worldwide, trauma now touches every person’s life in new and challenging ways. This holds the opportunity to facilitate a connected empathy between patients and providers, and thus a new possibility to integrate trauma-informed care into practice. This presentation will review the framework of trauma-informed care, detail best practices for pelvic care, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on intimate examinations, and challenge providers to modify current practices in order to create safe environments for empowering healthcare experiences. GOLD Perinatal Online Conference false DD/MM/YYYYTell a FriendNext Topic