Grief Touches All: Supporting Other Family Members
Course Description:
Perinatal loss affects the entire family system, not just the birthing parent. This accredited course prepares providers to recognize and support the often unseen grief of fathers/partners, LGBTQ+ parents, and grandparents. Learners will explore how differing grief responses and relational dynamics shape coping and communication after loss, and apply trauma-informed, culturally humble strategies that validate grief, support healthy boundaries, and foster connection across families.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the unique grief responses, risk factors, and support needs of fathers/partners, LGBTQ+ parents, and grandparents following perinatal loss. 2. Describe how relationship dynamics and differing grieving styles influence coping and communication within families after loss. 3. Apply trauma-informed, culturally humble strategies to support non-birthing parents and extended family members, including ways to validate grief, encourage self-care, and promote healthy support boundaries.
Lessons:
1. Fathers and Partners 2. LGBTQ+ Families 3. Impact of Loss on Relationships 4. Grandparents 5. Navigating a Pregnancy around Loss Parents
Certificate:
By completing and passing this course, you will attain the certificate Grief Touches All: Supporting Other Family Members.
Learning Credits:
Continuing Education Units 1.25
Presenter Bio:
Dr. Kiley Hanish is a neurodivergent occupational therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, with a master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Southern California. Following the stillbirth of her son, Norbert, she co-created the Emmy-nominated film Return to Zero and co-founded RTZ Hope, a nonprofit supporting families through pregnancy and infant loss. She is dedicated to ensuring bereaved parents receive compassionate care and the support they need to navigate grief with hope.
