MANITOBA PREGNANCY AND INFANT LOSS CONFERENCE (2 Day)

With the support from the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation our Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Neonatology program will be hosting a two-day conference on the topic of pregnancy and infant loss. This event aims to support healthcare providers who strive to provide the best care possible for individuals and families who are experiencing or anticipating the loss of a pregnancy or death of their infant.

Join us at Inn at the Forks for a day of healing, education, and connection with other healthcare professionals who have a vested interest in supporting those impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Our conference will feature international and local speakers, parent panels, and will highlight resources to support you as you walk alongside families during these challenging life moments. Come and be a part of this important conversation.

SPEAKER BIOS

Sherokee Ilse: Sherokee Ilse is a pioneer in the perinatal loss field. She is an international consultant, trainer, parent advocate, inspirational speaker, bereaved parent and paradigm shifter and author of numerous books including: Empty arms: Coping with miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant death. Check out her work here: https://www.sherokeeilse.com/

Simone Stenekes:
Simone is the Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Pediatric Palliative Care Team of the WRHA Palliative Care Program. Simone has been working in palliative care for over 24 years, with many of those years focused in pediatric palliative care, primarily in Winnipeg. In her current role, Simone acts as a resource to families and health care teams across the province. She is also engaged in teaching, research and projects on a national level.

Dr. Bruce Martin:

After a 30-year career dedicated to providing a wide spectrum of Northern and Indigenous health care—including clinical service, administration, research, and education—his clinical activities are now divided between adult and pediatric palliative care in both hospital and home environments while embracing a collaborative model of practice.

He gives significant attribution to those from whom he has learned, and specifically his patients, their families and their communities of life.

Dr. Heather Watson:

Dr Heather Watson is a psychosocial ObGyn, with fellowship training in the intersections of psychiatric, social and reproductive health. She is also Director of PreClerkship for Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. Here she indulges her love of teaching and finds the students to be inspiring educators in return.

Dragonfly Support Program Representative - Sarah Morand

The Dragonfly Support Program at Women’s Health Clinic supports people impacted by pregnancy loss, infant loss, and babies born to spirit. They currently offer counselling, peer support, group support, and resources for individuals and families affected by these experiences. All of their services are free-of-cost for anyone living in Manitoba regardless of health coverage and they welcome people of all genders. They welcome formal and self-referrals. Check out their website here: https://womenshealthclinic.org...

Sarah Morand (she/her) is an Indigenous, anti-oppressive relational therapist and educator. She is currently completing the Masters of Marriage & Family Therapy Program and has over 2 decades of experience in anti-oppressive community education and mental health support. She is the counselor in the Dragonfly program, providing individual, couples and family counseling to anyone impacted by pregnancy loss, infant loss & babies born to spirit. She has been involved in the Dragonfly Program since its inception in 2021, developing a service provider training focusing on "providing anti-oppressive & compassionate care for people who've been impacted by perinatal loss"

EVENT LOCATION

Please see event location website for further information here:

https://www.innforks.com/

EVENT AGENDA

EVENT AGENDA DAY 1: October 24, 2024
7:30 AM- 8:00AM	Registration and light breakfast
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM	Welcome, land acknowledgement, and introduction
8:15AM - 8:30AM	Video and discussion	Sherokee Ilse
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM	Embracing the joy: Precious lives	Sherokee Ilse
9:30AM - 10:30AM	WRHA Pediatric Pain and Symptom Management and Palliative Care Team	Dr. Bruce Martin and Simone Stenekes
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM	Break
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM	Miscarriage and loss	Sherokee Ilse
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM	Lunch Break
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM	Cultural and spiritual perspectives
1:45 PM - 3:20 PM	Enhancing perinatal loss support	Sherokee Ilse
3:20 PM - 3:40 PM	Break
3:40 PM - 4:40 PM	Parent Panel: Pregnancy after loss	Facilitated by Sherokee Ilse
4:40 PM - 4:45 PM	Wrap up: Day 1 conclusion

EVENT AGENDA DAY 2: October 25, 2024
7:30 AM - 8:00 AM	Registration and light breakfast
8:00 AM - 8:15 AM	Welcome
8:15 AM - 8:45 AM	Video and discussion	Sherokee Ilse
8:45 AM – 9:45 AM	Perinatal bombshell, bereavement support and care - Sherokee Isle	Sherokee Ilse
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM	Break
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM	Women's Health Clinic: Dragonfly Support Program	Sarah Morand
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	When the bough breaks: The clinician’s role in perinatal loss	Dr. Heather Watson
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Lunch break
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM	Parent panel: Parent perspectives on care interactions	Facilitated by Sherokee Ilse
2:00 PM - 2:15 PM	Break
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM	Networking and support in community	Sherokee Ilse
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM	Care of the caregiver	Sherokee Ilse and Sarah Morand
4:15 AM - 4:45 AM	Wrap up and conference conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the target audience for this conference?
Manitoban care providers from across disciplines and practice areas that are along the care trajectory of families who are anticipating or experiencing pregnancy loss or the death of their infant.

Where can I park during the conference and is it paid parking?
All parking at The Forks is paid parking. If you are attending the conference, you can pay directly at meters or via the Pay by Phone parking app. Parking at The Forks is available in multiple areas. We recommend to park in the nearby parkade, or directly behind the hotel.

Will meals be provided during the conference?
Yes. A light continental style breakfast will be provided each day, as well as lunch, and light snacks during conference breaks. Please ensure you declare any dietary restrictions or allergies at the time of registration for the event.

What if I can only attend a single day?
Only 2 day conference tickets are available. You are welcome to purchase a ticket and join us for all the time you are able.