Perinatal loss and grief seminar
Thank you for your overwhelming interest in this event. As a result registrations are to capacity, but if you would like to join a waitlist please email Priya Nair.
Come and join us to explore the important area of stillbirth and neonatal loss from the perspective of families, midwives, nurses and doctors and the wider community. The devastating experience of losing a baby for women and their families is something that all health professionals strive to understand in order to provide appropriate practical and emotional support. This seminar aims to raise our consciousness about flexible, sensitive care by sharing our stories and through engaging with research and education.
We are honoured to have Professor Mavis Kirkham as one of our keynote speakers. Mavis’ new book is called Midwives coping with loss and grief: Stillbirth, professional and personal losses and explores the experience of midwives who have walked alongside women and families who have experienced loss and grief. The book is a powerful reminder of the significant ramifications of grief and loss, not only on the families but also on their care providers, both professionally and personally.
Our other speakers include Ros Richardson who is the General Manager of SIDS and Kids NSW. Ros’ is background is in nursing, with Masters studies in Social Science, Public Health and Health Services Management. In her present role she manages the activities of SIDS and Kids NSW throughout the state. Ros participates in numerous national and international committees and forums including the International Stillbirth Alliance and the Australia New Zealand Stillbirth Alliance with regard to perinatal and infant death and has a particular interest in raising public awareness of stillbirth and stillbirth reduction campaigns. Ros is a bereaved parent and committed parent advocate. She is passionate about spreading the word and raising awareness about the vitally important work of SIDS and Kids NSW, in bereavement support, community education and the promotion of research.
We are very pleased to have the founder of The Stillbirth Foundation Australia Emma McLeod as a speaker. After a pregnancy with no health issues, Emma's daughter Olivia died in utero at 36 weeks in July 2002. There was seemingly no reason, and not uncommonly Olivia's death went uninvestigated. The lack of information and Emma's own grief-stricken questioning led her to establish the first and only organisation dedicated to stillbirth in Australia.
We also are really pleased to have Ali and David Homer who experienced the stillbirth of their daughter Harper. Ali and David now share their experiences with midwifery students and have published their story in a number of forums including the MIDIRS journal.
Another inspiring speaker will be Kate Dyer who is the High Risk Clinical Midwifery Consultant at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney. Kate has significant expertise and experience in caring for families who experience stillbirth and neonatal loss.
We will also have speakers outlining the epidemiology of stillbirth and neonatal death and examining possible causes and ways forward.
