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SESSIONS & WORKSHOPS
Below are the topics and full descriptions of every session and workshop that will be held at the Sands National Conference 2022. For full bio's of the speakers, to get to know them better, please click here.
Stay tuned for our programme schedule to be announced!
We are excited to offer some optional extras for people to attend during the conference, including:
Stay tuned for our programme schedule to be announced!
- 'Finding flow within grief's water' - Annie Anderson
'Resilience & wellbeing through all of life's seasons' - Annie Anderson - 'Care, connection and social distancing: The challenges of baby loss during a pandemic' - Billie Bradford & Robin Cronin
- 'The myth of the ‘straight-forward’ pregnancy: A story of babies, IVF and loss' - Jen Crawford
- 'The Perinatal Post Mortem' - Gretchen Pomare
- 'National Perinatal Pathology Service' - Ainslee Jacobson
- 'Multiples NZ – supporting bereaved whānau when they were expecting multiples' - Ainslee Jacobson
- 'Birth trauma – An experience of loss, an opportunity for healing' - Kate Hicks
- 'The importance of informed choices at the time of an unexpected diagnosis' - Emily Davidson
- 'Baby & infant loss in Aotearoa NZ: State of the nation' - Vicki Culling
- ‘When we know better, we do better: Understanding and learning from bereaved Māori mothers’ experiences of the health system' - Vicki Culling, Pania (Lisa) Paraku, Nicola Bright, Pania Mitchell & Maree Robertson
- 'IVF and multiple loss – A personal journey of resilience' - Cheryl Elsey
- 'Art for grief' workshop & 'Making memories' workshop - Andrea Olliver-Thompson
- “Just be happy” - Resolving birth trauma after baby loss and subsequent children' - Natasha Evans
- 'NICU – when the journey comes to an unexpected end' - Nik Mounter & Katrina Bootsma
- 'How personal grief informs our mahi' - Dr Graeme Bain & Karen Walker
- 'Voices of mothers - Voices of fathers' - Cynthia Ward & Stephen Parkinson
- 'An opportunity for women to hear each other' workshop - Cynthia Ward
- 'Just for dads' workshop - Stephen Parkinson
- 'Loss in the LGBTQIA+ community' - Darjee Sahala (She/Her)
- 'The gift of whānau information for positive change – the role of the PMMRC' - Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee (PMMRC) members: Pania (Lisa) Paraku, Claire MacDonald, Yvonne Daymond, Dr Robin Cronin, & Dr Rose Elder
- Support Meeting - Vicki Culling & Pania Mitchell
- Professionals Panel -
- Parents Panel - Cheryl Elsey, Emily Davidson, Maree Robertson, Amy Field, & Mel Tarrant
We are excited to offer some optional extras for people to attend during the conference, including:
- Memorial service - at Seddon Park Funeral Home, located at 49 Seddon Road, Hamilton.
- Meditation workshop - Laura Hett from Wildr Wellness
- 'Return to Zero' movie & pizza night
Full descriptions:
'Finding flow within grief's water' - Annie Anderson
At various times in our lives, we will be required to swim in waters that are not of our choosing. Each and every one of us will journey in our own kind of hard, navigate our own stormy ocean – whether that is the loss of a baby, struggles with infertility, a shock diagnosis, or another of the many, many things that call us to endure change, loss, and grief in our lives.
So how do we rediscover our flow in waters that feel unfamiliar, stormy, and not of our choosing? What can help us to better navigate grief’s waters and find our way to shore? Let’s explore some of the tangible tools, skills, and strategies that can foster and enhance resilience, acting as flotation devices amidst our stormy oceans. These ‘grief game changers’ are here for us all and have the potential to inspire and empower us to rediscover our flow.
'Finding flow within grief's water' - Annie Anderson
At various times in our lives, we will be required to swim in waters that are not of our choosing. Each and every one of us will journey in our own kind of hard, navigate our own stormy ocean – whether that is the loss of a baby, struggles with infertility, a shock diagnosis, or another of the many, many things that call us to endure change, loss, and grief in our lives.
So how do we rediscover our flow in waters that feel unfamiliar, stormy, and not of our choosing? What can help us to better navigate grief’s waters and find our way to shore? Let’s explore some of the tangible tools, skills, and strategies that can foster and enhance resilience, acting as flotation devices amidst our stormy oceans. These ‘grief game changers’ are here for us all and have the potential to inspire and empower us to rediscover our flow.
'Resilience and wellbeing through all of life's seasons' - Annie Anderson
Wellbeing and resilience are becoming increasingly recognised and valued as essential concepts for our life ‘tool kits.’ There is a growing body of research that supports a focus on these to better meet the needs of individuals, communities, and nations. We frequently hear the terms and perhaps understand what they are, but do we know some ways to enhance aspects of our wellbeing? Or how we can strengthen our resilience? So much more than simply ‘buzz words,’ these are the very concepts that can take us from surviving to thriving regardless of what season we find ourselves in.
Together let’s explore some practical and tangible tips and tools for enhancing resilience and improving our overall wellbeing to better aid us during times of change, loss, and grief, and all of life’s seasons in between.
Wellbeing and resilience are becoming increasingly recognised and valued as essential concepts for our life ‘tool kits.’ There is a growing body of research that supports a focus on these to better meet the needs of individuals, communities, and nations. We frequently hear the terms and perhaps understand what they are, but do we know some ways to enhance aspects of our wellbeing? Or how we can strengthen our resilience? So much more than simply ‘buzz words,’ these are the very concepts that can take us from surviving to thriving regardless of what season we find ourselves in.
Together let’s explore some practical and tangible tips and tools for enhancing resilience and improving our overall wellbeing to better aid us during times of change, loss, and grief, and all of life’s seasons in between.
'Care, connection and social distancing: The challenges of baby loss during a pandemic' - Billie Bradford & Robin Cronin
The covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented disruption to our lives. Lockdowns, social distancing, and restrictions on movement have added stress and anxiety to everyday lives, made access to healthcare more difficult, and often kept us apart from whānau and other social support. Many people needing healthcare services have found themselves taking a backseat to pandemic concerns, including those accessing maternity care. For parents experiencing baby loss, pandemic disruption is yet another hurdle to contend with.
This study has sought to examine the experiences of parents who experienced baby loss including miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death during the covid19 pandemic. We have conducted interviews with bereaved parents to learn about their experiences of maternity care, baby loss, and bereavement support. The study is part of global collaboration and the data will inform analysis of bereaved parents’ experiences globally, via comparison between countries, as well as within Aotearoa. The findings will help to inform healthcare providers and support services in Aotearoa and around the world of the needs of bereaved parents during a pandemic and beyond.
'Care, connection and social distancing: The challenges of baby loss during a pandemic' - Billie Bradford & Robin Cronin
The covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented disruption to our lives. Lockdowns, social distancing, and restrictions on movement have added stress and anxiety to everyday lives, made access to healthcare more difficult, and often kept us apart from whānau and other social support. Many people needing healthcare services have found themselves taking a backseat to pandemic concerns, including those accessing maternity care. For parents experiencing baby loss, pandemic disruption is yet another hurdle to contend with.
This study has sought to examine the experiences of parents who experienced baby loss including miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death during the covid19 pandemic. We have conducted interviews with bereaved parents to learn about their experiences of maternity care, baby loss, and bereavement support. The study is part of global collaboration and the data will inform analysis of bereaved parents’ experiences globally, via comparison between countries, as well as within Aotearoa. The findings will help to inform healthcare providers and support services in Aotearoa and around the world of the needs of bereaved parents during a pandemic and beyond.
'The myth of the ‘straight-forward’ pregnancy: A story of babies, IVF and loss' - Jen Crawford
Infertility struggles and having to proceed with the In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) route to conceive is scary enough. But add in a premature baby to the mix, for first-time parents can be terrifying. The struggle of infertility while other parents are conceiving naturally has a major impact on mental health and a dramatic effect on parents hopes, dreams, and futures when these procedures fail or result in miscarriage.
In this presentation, Jen will talk about her own journey, discussing the myths around pregnancy with a story of her own babies, conceived by IVF and being born early, the process of an embryo transfer, and then dealing with the loss. To then finding out they have conceived naturally, to having the baby removed via surgery as a result of an ectopic pregnancy.
Taking this grief and using it as a motivator, Jen put in steps to overcome the emotions and trauma, using post-traumatic growth to overcome obstacles and even trek the Tongariro Crossing, and using this goal and experience to raise funds and awareness for Sands NZ.
Infertility struggles and having to proceed with the In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) route to conceive is scary enough. But add in a premature baby to the mix, for first-time parents can be terrifying. The struggle of infertility while other parents are conceiving naturally has a major impact on mental health and a dramatic effect on parents hopes, dreams, and futures when these procedures fail or result in miscarriage.
In this presentation, Jen will talk about her own journey, discussing the myths around pregnancy with a story of her own babies, conceived by IVF and being born early, the process of an embryo transfer, and then dealing with the loss. To then finding out they have conceived naturally, to having the baby removed via surgery as a result of an ectopic pregnancy.
Taking this grief and using it as a motivator, Jen put in steps to overcome the emotions and trauma, using post-traumatic growth to overcome obstacles and even trek the Tongariro Crossing, and using this goal and experience to raise funds and awareness for Sands NZ.
'The Perinatal Post Mortem' - Gretchen Pomare
The perinatal post mortem and placental examination is recognised as the gold standard for investigation of miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal deaths.
The New Zealand Perinatal Pathology Service (NPPS) comprises 6 perinatal pathologists who are centered in 4 major centres in NZ. This enables full cover of both islands. The main role of the pathologist is examination of deceased infants and placentas across a wide range of gestation. The aim is to assist the obstetric teams and parents to understand why the baby has died and these findings may indicate the type of management for future pregnancies. The pathologists work closely with their maternal fetal medicine (MFM) and genetics colleagues particularly in cases of fetal abnormality. The pathologists perform post mortems consented by parent(s) and post mortems directed by a Coroner.
This talk will outline the consent process, provide an explanation of ‘hospital’ (parent consented) versus coronial post mortems, discuss the post mortem procedure and the importance of placental examination. The talk will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions and increase their knowledge of what a post mortem involves, in particular, for those that are involved in discussing post mortems with families and who are involved in the consent process.
(**Note: This talk would be aimed at health professionals rather than bereaved whanau).
The perinatal post mortem and placental examination is recognised as the gold standard for investigation of miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal deaths.
The New Zealand Perinatal Pathology Service (NPPS) comprises 6 perinatal pathologists who are centered in 4 major centres in NZ. This enables full cover of both islands. The main role of the pathologist is examination of deceased infants and placentas across a wide range of gestation. The aim is to assist the obstetric teams and parents to understand why the baby has died and these findings may indicate the type of management for future pregnancies. The pathologists work closely with their maternal fetal medicine (MFM) and genetics colleagues particularly in cases of fetal abnormality. The pathologists perform post mortems consented by parent(s) and post mortems directed by a Coroner.
This talk will outline the consent process, provide an explanation of ‘hospital’ (parent consented) versus coronial post mortems, discuss the post mortem procedure and the importance of placental examination. The talk will provide an opportunity for participants to ask questions and increase their knowledge of what a post mortem involves, in particular, for those that are involved in discussing post mortems with families and who are involved in the consent process.
(**Note: This talk would be aimed at health professionals rather than bereaved whanau).
'National Perinatal Pathology Service' - Ainslee Jacobson
For many years, a comprehensive perinatal pathology service was provided in NZ by solo perinatal pathologists with no succession planning. There was no formal service structure or funding to support future provision of the service and neither was there formal recognition of a perinatal pathology service by anatomical pathology departments.
In 2008, the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee (PMMRC) wrote a report regarding the vulnerable state of perinatal and paediatric pathology in New Zealand. Following the release of this report, the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders worked together over a ten-year period to formalise the service. The National Perinatal Pathology Service officially went live in July 2019. Dr Jane Zuccollo was appointed the National Clinical Lead and two further administrative positions were appointed to support implementation and service delivery.
Since 2019, the National Perinatal Pathology Service has been working to develop a streamlined referral process to support healthcare professionals caring for bereaved whanau.
The aim of this presentation is to offer participants a chance to gain insight into the development of the service and to raise awareness of the tools in place to support perinatal post-mortem referrals. These tools include:
- Centralised contact details
- Clinical flowcharts and guidelines
- Online presence
- Electronic referral/consent forms
- Online learning modules
The presentation will also provide an opportunity to reflect on challenges, barriers, and possible assumptions for whānau and healthcare professionals that can assist the service with future resource development.
For many years, a comprehensive perinatal pathology service was provided in NZ by solo perinatal pathologists with no succession planning. There was no formal service structure or funding to support future provision of the service and neither was there formal recognition of a perinatal pathology service by anatomical pathology departments.
In 2008, the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee (PMMRC) wrote a report regarding the vulnerable state of perinatal and paediatric pathology in New Zealand. Following the release of this report, the Ministry of Health and key stakeholders worked together over a ten-year period to formalise the service. The National Perinatal Pathology Service officially went live in July 2019. Dr Jane Zuccollo was appointed the National Clinical Lead and two further administrative positions were appointed to support implementation and service delivery.
Since 2019, the National Perinatal Pathology Service has been working to develop a streamlined referral process to support healthcare professionals caring for bereaved whanau.
The aim of this presentation is to offer participants a chance to gain insight into the development of the service and to raise awareness of the tools in place to support perinatal post-mortem referrals. These tools include:
- Centralised contact details
- Clinical flowcharts and guidelines
- Online presence
- Electronic referral/consent forms
- Online learning modules
The presentation will also provide an opportunity to reflect on challenges, barriers, and possible assumptions for whānau and healthcare professionals that can assist the service with future resource development.
'Multiples NZ – supporting bereaved whānau when they were expecting multiples' - Ainslee Jacobson
In the sad event that one or more babies die at any point during or after pregnancy, there is help and support available. When the amazing people behind Twin Loss retired, Multiples NZ set up a specific Facebook group for Bereaved Whānau of Multiples.
Although not specifically targeted to twins and multiples, Multiples NZ also relies heavily on Sands NZ for support. Much of the advice and support for bereaved whānau of multiples is similar to singleton baby loss, create memories of your baby (or babies), spend as much time as you need holding your baby (or babies) and many hospitals have cool-cots that make it easier to take your baby/ies home, consider a post-mortem investigation and seek out specialist grief counselling.
There are differences though and it’s important to understand what those differences are and how our whānau can be supported to navigate their way through their journey of loss.
This presentation will explore how a loss of one or more babies from a multiple pregnancy differs from a singleton pregnancy and what multiple-specific resources are available here in New Zealand and abroad. The presentation will also provide an opportunity to reflect on gaps in the support that exists for whānau who have experienced baby loss from a multiple pregnancy, and the types of resources that could be developed in the future.
In the sad event that one or more babies die at any point during or after pregnancy, there is help and support available. When the amazing people behind Twin Loss retired, Multiples NZ set up a specific Facebook group for Bereaved Whānau of Multiples.
Although not specifically targeted to twins and multiples, Multiples NZ also relies heavily on Sands NZ for support. Much of the advice and support for bereaved whānau of multiples is similar to singleton baby loss, create memories of your baby (or babies), spend as much time as you need holding your baby (or babies) and many hospitals have cool-cots that make it easier to take your baby/ies home, consider a post-mortem investigation and seek out specialist grief counselling.
There are differences though and it’s important to understand what those differences are and how our whānau can be supported to navigate their way through their journey of loss.
This presentation will explore how a loss of one or more babies from a multiple pregnancy differs from a singleton pregnancy and what multiple-specific resources are available here in New Zealand and abroad. The presentation will also provide an opportunity to reflect on gaps in the support that exists for whānau who have experienced baby loss from a multiple pregnancy, and the types of resources that could be developed in the future.
'Birth trauma – An experience of loss, an opportunity for healing' - Kate Hicks
Pregnancy, baby, and infant loss is traumatic for parents and whānau. These experiences are examples of birth trauma, that is, physical or psychological trauma that occurs before, during, or after birth.
Trauma is our brain and body’s natural reaction to events we consider threatening to ourselves or those close to us. When trauma occurs our brain “switches” from operating in the ventral vagal part of our brain to the sympathetic or dorsal vagal part of our brain. This response is designed to keep us safe but can have lasting impacts if not processed effectively.
The impacts of birth trauma are diverse, potentially severe, and can affect the entire whānau. The array of impacts varies from altered relationships with a spouse through to Post-Natal Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Research suggests that 50 people per day experience a traumatic birth in Aotearoa, however, accessible and effective support services are severely lacking. In order to fill a gap in support resources, the My Birth Story website was created to offer comfort, validation, and support options following birth trauma.
If trauma survivors receive appropriate and specific support, they may process the experience and move towards healing.
Participants of this session will gain an understanding of trauma, the impacts it creates when experienced in the birth setting, and the supports available following birth trauma. Participants will gain insight into how we might best support those who have had these experiences find their way through trauma, towards healing.
Pregnancy, baby, and infant loss is traumatic for parents and whānau. These experiences are examples of birth trauma, that is, physical or psychological trauma that occurs before, during, or after birth.
Trauma is our brain and body’s natural reaction to events we consider threatening to ourselves or those close to us. When trauma occurs our brain “switches” from operating in the ventral vagal part of our brain to the sympathetic or dorsal vagal part of our brain. This response is designed to keep us safe but can have lasting impacts if not processed effectively.
The impacts of birth trauma are diverse, potentially severe, and can affect the entire whānau. The array of impacts varies from altered relationships with a spouse through to Post-Natal Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Research suggests that 50 people per day experience a traumatic birth in Aotearoa, however, accessible and effective support services are severely lacking. In order to fill a gap in support resources, the My Birth Story website was created to offer comfort, validation, and support options following birth trauma.
If trauma survivors receive appropriate and specific support, they may process the experience and move towards healing.
Participants of this session will gain an understanding of trauma, the impacts it creates when experienced in the birth setting, and the supports available following birth trauma. Participants will gain insight into how we might best support those who have had these experiences find their way through trauma, towards healing.
'The importance of informed choices at the time of an unexpected diagnosis' - Emily Davidson
When a whanau is faced with an unexpected diagnosis it is important that all options are presented to ensure they have all the information clearly presented to them, so they can make an informed decision. This is not how a couple anticipated being parents. Alas they find themselves here, unexpected and overwhelmed by what appears to be an impossible decision to make for their child/ren during an incredibly vulnerable time.
As health professionals and support workers, it should be our goal to ensure that whanau have the best experience of a heartbreaking situation. The decisions that they make stay with them for a lifetime. What can we do to ensure each person’s unique set of circumstances is carefully considered to establish the best outcomes for the individuals we are supporting?
Regardless of choice to either terminate the pregnancy, interrupt with early induction, or continue the pregnancy the time with their baby often is finite. Their babies are desperately wanted and loved; how can we ensure whanau get to actively parent? This presentation will emphasize the importance of an individualised care pathway with the whanau at the centre, using a holistic approach to ensure the best outcomes for families when their babies life expectancy is limited.
Interwoven throughout the presentation Emily is able to draw from her own experience and present helpful examples of support that ensured a lifetime of cherished memories of the time she had with her baby.
When a whanau is faced with an unexpected diagnosis it is important that all options are presented to ensure they have all the information clearly presented to them, so they can make an informed decision. This is not how a couple anticipated being parents. Alas they find themselves here, unexpected and overwhelmed by what appears to be an impossible decision to make for their child/ren during an incredibly vulnerable time.
As health professionals and support workers, it should be our goal to ensure that whanau have the best experience of a heartbreaking situation. The decisions that they make stay with them for a lifetime. What can we do to ensure each person’s unique set of circumstances is carefully considered to establish the best outcomes for the individuals we are supporting?
Regardless of choice to either terminate the pregnancy, interrupt with early induction, or continue the pregnancy the time with their baby often is finite. Their babies are desperately wanted and loved; how can we ensure whanau get to actively parent? This presentation will emphasize the importance of an individualised care pathway with the whanau at the centre, using a holistic approach to ensure the best outcomes for families when their babies life expectancy is limited.
Interwoven throughout the presentation Emily is able to draw from her own experience and present helpful examples of support that ensured a lifetime of cherished memories of the time she had with her baby.
'Baby & infant loss in Aotearoa NZ: State of the nation' - Vicki Culling
We often talk about a lack of awareness around baby and infant loss in our country and bemoan the lack of support and progress. Because we don’t have a central government or national NGO agency that provides this information, we are not always aware of what is happening unless someone shares a Facebook post, we receive an email, or have a conversation with ‘someone in the know’.
In this session, Vicki will present a ‘State of the Nation’ update which will cover the latest national statistics around baby and infant loss, updates on the latest national and international research, and information about governmental policies and organisational projects.
Attendees will leave this session feeling informed and updated on baby and infant loss issues and projects across the motu. It is also hoped that you will feel inspired by what is happening and motivated to fill the gaps that are not happening.
We often talk about a lack of awareness around baby and infant loss in our country and bemoan the lack of support and progress. Because we don’t have a central government or national NGO agency that provides this information, we are not always aware of what is happening unless someone shares a Facebook post, we receive an email, or have a conversation with ‘someone in the know’.
In this session, Vicki will present a ‘State of the Nation’ update which will cover the latest national statistics around baby and infant loss, updates on the latest national and international research, and information about governmental policies and organisational projects.
Attendees will leave this session feeling informed and updated on baby and infant loss issues and projects across the motu. It is also hoped that you will feel inspired by what is happening and motivated to fill the gaps that are not happening.
‘When we know better, we do better: Understanding and learning from bereaved Māori mothers’ experiences of the health system' - Vicki Culling, Pania (Lisa) Paraku, Nicola Bright, Pania Mitchell & Maree Robertson
Upon hearing the statistics of baby and infant loss in Aotearoa New Zealand, most people are horrified that the numbers are so high. Within those statistics there is a story of inequity - of Māori bearing the brunt of loss, with our Pasifika and Indian cousins. In this presentation wāhine Māori from Te Ika-a-Maui share their stories of adversity, grief, support and care within the health system in one of the best centres in Aotearoa for bereavement and health care – Te Whanganui a Tara. This is as good as it gets in Aotearoa and still there is inequity and harm. What can be done by the system, by organisations and by us, the people of Aotearoa NZ?
Upon hearing the statistics of baby and infant loss in Aotearoa New Zealand, most people are horrified that the numbers are so high. Within those statistics there is a story of inequity - of Māori bearing the brunt of loss, with our Pasifika and Indian cousins. In this presentation wāhine Māori from Te Ika-a-Maui share their stories of adversity, grief, support and care within the health system in one of the best centres in Aotearoa for bereavement and health care – Te Whanganui a Tara. This is as good as it gets in Aotearoa and still there is inequity and harm. What can be done by the system, by organisations and by us, the people of Aotearoa NZ?
'IVF and multiple loss – A personal journey of resilience' - Cheryl Elsey
Baby loss is tragic for any family to go through, however, combine that with a long IVF journey and multiple losses, and it is hard to find a way back through the heartache. In this presentation Cheryl Elsey will outline her journey of IVF in Aotearoa/New Zealand, describing the ups and downs of that very intense process and the profound effects of the deaths of all seven of their babies. Cheryl and Ian experienced infertility, an IVF journey, intrauterine death, miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.
You will learn and hear about her story of how she and her husband had to navigate these struggles and the differences between the levels of emotion, grief, and regret. This story is about the personal heartache of not only losing all of their precious babies but also the impact on mental and emotional health and how Cheryl/they found the strength to go on as functioning-humans while being engulfed in multiple layers of loss and compounding grief.
Most of all, you’ll find out about the journey back to herself, finding the resilience to enjoy happiness from within once again – finding flow. Cheryl will give you tools and strategies that have worked for her and encourage you to walk the challenging path back to living a full life and to embrace happiness living with empty arms.
Baby loss is tragic for any family to go through, however, combine that with a long IVF journey and multiple losses, and it is hard to find a way back through the heartache. In this presentation Cheryl Elsey will outline her journey of IVF in Aotearoa/New Zealand, describing the ups and downs of that very intense process and the profound effects of the deaths of all seven of their babies. Cheryl and Ian experienced infertility, an IVF journey, intrauterine death, miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.
You will learn and hear about her story of how she and her husband had to navigate these struggles and the differences between the levels of emotion, grief, and regret. This story is about the personal heartache of not only losing all of their precious babies but also the impact on mental and emotional health and how Cheryl/they found the strength to go on as functioning-humans while being engulfed in multiple layers of loss and compounding grief.
Most of all, you’ll find out about the journey back to herself, finding the resilience to enjoy happiness from within once again – finding flow. Cheryl will give you tools and strategies that have worked for her and encourage you to walk the challenging path back to living a full life and to embrace happiness living with empty arms.
'Art for grief' workshop - Andrea Olliver-Thompson
An intimate workshop exploring grief through the use of art. In this workshop Andrea will take participants through 2 activities in the form of ‘art’ to help express what participants feel or have felt on their grief journey.
**Please note: Due to supplies, this workshop will be limited to 18-20 people for this session**
An intimate workshop exploring grief through the use of art. In this workshop Andrea will take participants through 2 activities in the form of ‘art’ to help express what participants feel or have felt on their grief journey.
**Please note: Due to supplies, this workshop will be limited to 18-20 people for this session**
'Making memories' workshop - Andrea Olliver-Thompson
An intimate creative workshop creating new and remembering old memories in honour of your baby or child. In this workshop, Andrea will take participants on a journey through 2 activities exploring the old & new memories that you have of your baby or child via creative activities.
**Please note: Due to supplies, this workshop will be limited to 18-20 people for this session**
An intimate creative workshop creating new and remembering old memories in honour of your baby or child. In this workshop, Andrea will take participants on a journey through 2 activities exploring the old & new memories that you have of your baby or child via creative activities.
**Please note: Due to supplies, this workshop will be limited to 18-20 people for this session**
“Just be happy” - Resolving birth trauma after baby loss and subsequent children' - Natasha Evans
This presentation is focused on resolving birth trauma after difficult births for subsequent (living) children and the therapies that helped Natasha. She is a bereaved parent and has one subsequent (living) child. This presentation will cover a brief background on Natasha, her family, and the birth stories of her two children.
**Trigger warning: Please note that this talk will cover incompetent cervix, high-risk pregnancy, emergency caesareans, HIE babies, and NICU, and these topics may be triggering for some bereaved parents.
She will then discuss the “3-step rewind method” and how this therapy for traumatic birth recovery helped her recover from the trauma associated with a bad birth. She’ll cover what the 3-step rewind method is, how it is meant to help and how it helped her. People who attend this talk will have an increased knowledge of the 3-step rewind method, and an understanding of how this therapy can improve the resilience of parents after trauma.
This presentation is focused on resolving birth trauma after difficult births for subsequent (living) children and the therapies that helped Natasha. She is a bereaved parent and has one subsequent (living) child. This presentation will cover a brief background on Natasha, her family, and the birth stories of her two children.
**Trigger warning: Please note that this talk will cover incompetent cervix, high-risk pregnancy, emergency caesareans, HIE babies, and NICU, and these topics may be triggering for some bereaved parents.
She will then discuss the “3-step rewind method” and how this therapy for traumatic birth recovery helped her recover from the trauma associated with a bad birth. She’ll cover what the 3-step rewind method is, how it is meant to help and how it helped her. People who attend this talk will have an increased knowledge of the 3-step rewind method, and an understanding of how this therapy can improve the resilience of parents after trauma.
'NICU – when the journey comes to an unexpected end' - Nik Mounter & Katrina Bootsma
NICU can be a scary place – even if the NICU stay is anticipated. Though the majority of babies come through NICU and get to go home with their parents – a small group don’t and their earthside journey ends in NICU.
- How does it happen?
- What does the process look like?
- IS it grey and clinical or is it individualised?
- Who are these strangers in scrubs who are walking alongside us and caring for our baby in NICU?
- What is available in the NICU setting when a baby dies?
- Can we take our baby home?
- How do the NICU team do this job amongst all the grief and stress and remain professional?
There are many questions that a NICU parent has running through their head at any given time during their NICU journey. None more so than when parents are faced with the fact that their much-loved baby is too sick to survive.
Nik and Katrina aim to give you a glimpse of what happens and what it looks like in this surreal partnership between NICU and parents and whanau. As with any process, it is fluid and always open to improvements. As a bereaved NICU parent - What could have been done differently and what was done well? We look forward to your feedback as we all strive to find our flow through grief and resilience.
NICU can be a scary place – even if the NICU stay is anticipated. Though the majority of babies come through NICU and get to go home with their parents – a small group don’t and their earthside journey ends in NICU.
- How does it happen?
- What does the process look like?
- IS it grey and clinical or is it individualised?
- Who are these strangers in scrubs who are walking alongside us and caring for our baby in NICU?
- What is available in the NICU setting when a baby dies?
- Can we take our baby home?
- How do the NICU team do this job amongst all the grief and stress and remain professional?
There are many questions that a NICU parent has running through their head at any given time during their NICU journey. None more so than when parents are faced with the fact that their much-loved baby is too sick to survive.
Nik and Katrina aim to give you a glimpse of what happens and what it looks like in this surreal partnership between NICU and parents and whanau. As with any process, it is fluid and always open to improvements. As a bereaved NICU parent - What could have been done differently and what was done well? We look forward to your feedback as we all strive to find our flow through grief and resilience.
'How personal grief informs our mahi' - Dr Graeme Bain & Karen Walker
Dr Graeme Bain and Karen Walker experienced the stillbirth of their much loved and wanted son Lewis in 2019. Their personal experience of intrauterine death and grief has changed how they care for whanau in our respective workspaces – as a GP and midwife.
They will share their korero on how they blended their cultures to honour their son and strengthen their whanau as they navigated their way through this journey. They will share insights into the lived experience and the latest research in compassionate care for bereaved whanau. Including exploring Te Ao Maori in respect of baby loss and miscarriage.
Their presentation will include visual and korero. Learning objectives:
- Share insight into their lived experience of stillbirth in a colonial and Te Ao Maori paradigm.
- Explore how their professional bereavement care has changed as clinicians.
- Learn some simple tools to enhance bereavement care.
- Learn some tools to care for yourself as bereaved whanau
Dr Graeme Bain and Karen Walker experienced the stillbirth of their much loved and wanted son Lewis in 2019. Their personal experience of intrauterine death and grief has changed how they care for whanau in our respective workspaces – as a GP and midwife.
They will share their korero on how they blended their cultures to honour their son and strengthen their whanau as they navigated their way through this journey. They will share insights into the lived experience and the latest research in compassionate care for bereaved whanau. Including exploring Te Ao Maori in respect of baby loss and miscarriage.
Their presentation will include visual and korero. Learning objectives:
- Share insight into their lived experience of stillbirth in a colonial and Te Ao Maori paradigm.
- Explore how their professional bereavement care has changed as clinicians.
- Learn some simple tools to enhance bereavement care.
- Learn some tools to care for yourself as bereaved whanau
'Voices of mothers - Voices of fathers' - Cynthia Ward & Stephen Parkinson
Cynthia and Stephen have worked together supporting parents for over 17 years at True Colours Children’s Health Trust. In this presentation, they talk about some of the common and not so common themes and challenges parents have shared with them. Part of how they support couples is to meet them together and also separately. This allows each parent space for honest, deep processing of their loss and to explore ways forward, weaving in how parents can best hear and support each other’s individual needs as well as their needs as a couple. This presentation covers areas of grief and loss of either having a child with a serious health condition or for parents who have had a child die. Helping courage shine through and helping families to keep standing is a huge aspect of the work of True Colours.
Cynthia and Stephen have worked together supporting parents for over 17 years at True Colours Children’s Health Trust. In this presentation, they talk about some of the common and not so common themes and challenges parents have shared with them. Part of how they support couples is to meet them together and also separately. This allows each parent space for honest, deep processing of their loss and to explore ways forward, weaving in how parents can best hear and support each other’s individual needs as well as their needs as a couple. This presentation covers areas of grief and loss of either having a child with a serious health condition or for parents who have had a child die. Helping courage shine through and helping families to keep standing is a huge aspect of the work of True Colours.
'An opportunity for women to hear each other' workshop - Cynthia Ward
Cynthia will facilitate a group for women to meet to connect with each other, share their stories and ask questions that may be useful to the group as a whole. Witnessing each other’s courage shining through and others resilience can be inspiring and a lift for the ‘heart’ of like-minded people standing together
Cynthia will facilitate a group for women to meet to connect with each other, share their stories and ask questions that may be useful to the group as a whole. Witnessing each other’s courage shining through and others resilience can be inspiring and a lift for the ‘heart’ of like-minded people standing together
'Just for dads' workshop - Stephen Parkinson
An opportunity for fathers to meet, share their stories, and support each other. Stephen will facilitate the group so that men quickly develop safe connections with each other and seek opportunities to grow resilience in the face of loss.
An opportunity for fathers to meet, share their stories, and support each other. Stephen will facilitate the group so that men quickly develop safe connections with each other and seek opportunities to grow resilience in the face of loss.
'Loss in the LGBTQIA+ community' - Darjee Sahala (She/Her)
Darjee Sahala (She/Her), will be speaking about the issue of under/mis-representation of LGBTQIA+ in the bereavement community. All are welcome.
Darjee Sahala (She/Her), will be speaking about the issue of under/mis-representation of LGBTQIA+ in the bereavement community. All are welcome.
'The gift of whānau information for positive change – the role of the PMMRC' - Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee (PMMRC) members: Pania Paraku, Claire MacDonald, Yvonne Daymond, Dr Robin Cronin, and Dr Rose Elder
The Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee (PMMRC) | Te Komiti Arotake Mate Pēpi, Mate Whaea Hoki, has been working for 17 years to review and report on data about mother and baby deaths, and to use this understanding to make recommendations for system and policy improvement in order to improve outcomes.
Our vision: Te mahi tahi puta noa i te pūnaha kia kore rawa ai e mate, e whara ngā māmā me ā rātau pēpi, whānau hoki mai i ngā mate, wharanga rānei ka taea te ārai (Working together across the system towards zero preventable deaths or harm for all mothers and babies, families and whānau).
The committee members take seriously our stewardship and kaitiakitanga of the precious information that has been shared with the PMMRC. We aim to honour whānau by ensuring their experience is counted and contributes to system improvements for the safe and healthy births of pēpi into the future.
In this presentation, current PMMRC members will talk about what we are doing to move this vision forward. We will explain how we bring experience from whānau, maternity service provider professions and te ao Māori cultural perspectives to the committee to achieve our tasks and our aims. Te Pou Māori responsive rubric supports the committee in collection of the story, interpretation, prompts cultural and social responsibility, supports positive change and mana enhancement as we understand and report mortality data.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share information about how the grief of a sudden, untimely death of a loved family member will not be forgotten and makes a real difference for other whānau welcoming their babies in Aotearoa. He matenga ohorere, he wairua uiui, wairua mutunga-kore.
The Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee (PMMRC) | Te Komiti Arotake Mate Pēpi, Mate Whaea Hoki, has been working for 17 years to review and report on data about mother and baby deaths, and to use this understanding to make recommendations for system and policy improvement in order to improve outcomes.
Our vision: Te mahi tahi puta noa i te pūnaha kia kore rawa ai e mate, e whara ngā māmā me ā rātau pēpi, whānau hoki mai i ngā mate, wharanga rānei ka taea te ārai (Working together across the system towards zero preventable deaths or harm for all mothers and babies, families and whānau).
The committee members take seriously our stewardship and kaitiakitanga of the precious information that has been shared with the PMMRC. We aim to honour whānau by ensuring their experience is counted and contributes to system improvements for the safe and healthy births of pēpi into the future.
In this presentation, current PMMRC members will talk about what we are doing to move this vision forward. We will explain how we bring experience from whānau, maternity service provider professions and te ao Māori cultural perspectives to the committee to achieve our tasks and our aims. Te Pou Māori responsive rubric supports the committee in collection of the story, interpretation, prompts cultural and social responsibility, supports positive change and mana enhancement as we understand and report mortality data.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share information about how the grief of a sudden, untimely death of a loved family member will not be forgotten and makes a real difference for other whānau welcoming their babies in Aotearoa. He matenga ohorere, he wairua uiui, wairua mutunga-kore.
'Professionals Panel' - Vicki Culling & Pania Mitchell
A support meeting run by Sands committee members Vicki Culling and Pania Mitchell, for anyone to attend to gain some support in their grief journey. Vicki and Pania are bereaved parents themselves. It is also a good opportunity for Sands committee members who are new, to attend and see how a support meeting is run.
A support meeting run by Sands committee members Vicki Culling and Pania Mitchell, for anyone to attend to gain some support in their grief journey. Vicki and Pania are bereaved parents themselves. It is also a good opportunity for Sands committee members who are new, to attend and see how a support meeting is run.
'Professionals Panel' -
The Professionals Panel brings a line-up of professionals who deal with grief and loss in their line of work, and provide an opportunity for bereaved parents and whanau to ask questions that they've never had a chance to ask professionals before, to be answered from a health professionals perspective and expertise.
The Professionals Panel brings a line-up of professionals who deal with grief and loss in their line of work, and provide an opportunity for bereaved parents and whanau to ask questions that they've never had a chance to ask professionals before, to be answered from a health professionals perspective and expertise.
'Parents Panel' - Cheryl Elsey, Emily Davidson, Maree Robertson, Amy Field, & Mel Tarrant
The Parents Panel brings a line-up of bereaved parents who will share their own story of what brings them to conference and answer questions. It is a great opportunity for our bereaved community to hear others stories of loss, learn from others healing and grief journeys, and ask questions.
The Parents Panel brings a line-up of bereaved parents who will share their own story of what brings them to conference and answer questions. It is a great opportunity for our bereaved community to hear others stories of loss, learn from others healing and grief journeys, and ask questions.
Optional extras & descriptions:
We re excited to offer some optional extras for people to attend during the conference, including:
Memorial service
We will be holding a memorial service event on Saturday morning to honour all angel babies. This will be held at Seddon Park Funeral Home, located at 49 Seddon Road, Hamilton. This is a short 5-minute drive from our Conference venue.
Meditation workshop - Laura Hett
On Friday morning before conference starts for the day we will be holding a meditation workshop presented by Laura Hett (from Wildr Wellness by Laura). This is an optional extra & not compulsory. Meditation can be an incredible tool for grief and healing.
'Return to Zero' movie night
On Friday night we will be screening the movie 'Return to Zero' and ordering pizzas for everyone to have during the film.
This is optional & not compulsory. Movie synopsis (**trigger warning**): "Based on a true story, a couple mourning the loss of their stillborn child discover that they are pregnant again and must come together to face a turbulent and terrifying pregnancy. Starring Minnie Driver". Click here to watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/XFTQKuLSV5Q
