Holding Hope Bereavement Training

Course overview

This course provides an in-depth overview of pregnancy and infant loss and prepares participants to support affected families with compassion, clinical awareness, and trauma-informed care. Participants examine the prevalence, terminology, and psychological impact of perinatal loss, as well as the physical and emotional experiences associated with losses occurring in the first, second, and third trimesters. Additional modules address life-limiting prenatal diagnoses, abortion as it relates to pregnancy and infant loss, and postpartum recovery considerations, including lactation and trimester-specific care. The course also explores the role of keepsakes and memorialization in the grieving process. Emphasis is placed on trauma-informed care, effective communication with grieving families, and the nature of grief and its long-term impact. The course concludes with an overview of the emotional and medical considerations involved in trying to conceive after loss and navigating pregnancy after loss. Overall, the training equips participants with foundational knowledge and supportive care strategies for working with families experiencing pregnancy or infant loss.