Course Description:
Our perinatal loss program has evolved over 35 years from silence and invisibility into a model that validates grief and supports both families, healthcare providers and clinicians. This journey mirrors the national evolution of advancing bereavement care for families experiencing perinatal loss, moving from marginalization to recognition. While progress is undeniable, the future demands renewed attention. Rising maternal mortality rates, particularly among marginalized communities, highlight the urgent need for equity, comprehensive grief literacy, and systemic support for healthcare providers. This presentation reflects on the past, honors the present, and envisions a future where every loss is met with acknowledgment, compassion and support.
Learning Objectives:
1. Evaluate key shifts in perinatal loss over the past 35 years, including how programs have evolved from silence and invisibility to recognition and structure support.
2. Analyze lessons learned from three decades of program development to inform best practices in supporting families through perinatal loss.
3. Propose future directions in perinatal and maternal loss care, with a focus on equity, provider wellbeing, and expanding grief literacy within healthcare systems.
Certificate:
By completing and passing this webinar course, you will attain the certificate When Grief is Seen: Reflections & Lessons From 35 Years of Perinatal Loss Care.
Learning Credits:
Continuing Education Units 1.0
Presenter Bio:
Jill Kottmeier, RN & Thanatologist, has dedicated her career to providing compassionate bereavement care and crisis response to patients, families and staff. While focusing on palliative and bereavement care within the perinatal realm, Jill has walked alongside families during their most heart wrenching moments. Her ultimate goal is to create a safe space for all people that are grieving. Recognizing the profound impact of death and trauma on both patients and healthcare workers, co-founded the first crisis response team at Northwest Community Hospital, which now serves the entire Endeavor Health System. Jill’s story showcases not only her professional achievements but also her compassion and commitment to the holistic wellbeing of both patients and healthcare workers she supports. Her expertise in thanatology further enriches her ability to provide nuanced and comprehensive support to those navigating the complexities of grief and loss.
