Presentation Information

Restoring the Connection: Methods for Repairing Ruptured Client Relationships

• Speaker: Tori Hamilton , RN, IBCLC, PMH-C
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 ACM CPD, 1 ACNM CEU, 0.1 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

Birth is a highly feeling, life-altering experience for families and when difficulties arise, it is possible for events to cause a trauma response. As we build self-awareness as professionals, we are able to learn how to fully attune to our clients, offering openness and curiosity into pregnancy, birth and beyond. In the perinatal period, practitioners must use intuition and critical thinking to make rapid decisions even when time is limited and communication is difficult, sometimes resulting in a rupture in the therapeutic relationship. When things don’t go as planned, there can be words left unspoken, creating a loss of trust in the relationship and healthcare system as a whole.
It is up to health professionals to repair these relationships, taking ownership of any misunderstandings, offering debriefing when possible, and taking time to reflect on their own triggers, fears and biases when working with clients. In this presentation, we will review some common factors involved when parents feel unsupported during the birth process, why rupture and repair in relationships and nervous system regulation is so important during the birthing process, and what these clients may require in these situations to feel safe in relationship with the midwifery team.