The purpose of this training is to enhance perinatal mental health and sexual health practitioners’ understanding of childbirth physiology, contemporary birth practices in the United States, and the psychosocial context in which pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period unfold. Birthsmarter PRO introduces clinicians to the Birthsmarter Framework—a trauma-informed, non-binary, critical-thinking approach to childbirth education—designed to support realistic expectation-setting, nuanced communication, and patient-centered advocacy within clinical scope of practice.
As maternal mortality, pelvic health complications, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders continue to rise, mental health professionals occupy a uniquely trusted role in preparing clients for birth and postpartum recovery. However, well-intentioned practitioners may unintentionally reinforce fear-based narratives, outdated assumptions, or overly idealized portrayals of birth. This training offers a reframing of birth education that moves beyond fearmongering and toxic positivity, equipping clinicians with language, context, and conceptual tools to help clients navigate uncertainty, complexity, and individual circumstance with greater confidence and emotional safety.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of birth physiology, the historical and systemic forces shaping perinatal care, and practical strategies for integrating childbirth education concepts into therapeutic work—enhancing their ability to support informed decision-making, emotional regulation, and embodied agency throughout the perinatal period.
Learning Objectives:
Communicate more effectively with perinatal clients by applying the Three Actions of Physiological Birth and using precise, non-alarmist, non-idealized language that supports emotional safety and informed consent.
Think critically about birth culture and clinical narratives, including the history of obstetrics in the U.S., systemic inequities in maternal health, and the impact of practitioner bias on client expectations and experiences.
Provide empathetic, individualized support through intentional language choices and strategies that meet clients where they are emotionally, relationally, and culturally.
Identify and utilize curated perinatal resources to enhance clinical care for pregnant and postpartum clients and strengthen referral networks.
AASECT CKA:
C. Socio-cultural, familial factors (e.g., ethnicity, culture, religion, spirituality, socioeconomic status, family values) in relation to sexual values and behaviors.
G. Sexual and reproductive anatomy/physiology.
H. Health/medical factors that may influence sexuality including, but not limited to, illness, disability, drugs, mental health, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy termination, contraception, fertility, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infection, other infections, sexual trauma, injury and safer sex practices.
AASECT ST:
F. Ethical decision-making and best practice.