BCAPOP's Member-Only Community of Practice: From Harm to Healing. Transforming Language in Perinatal Work

This session will focus on the impact language has on people’s experiences during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. It will highlight how the words used by perinatal professionals & those who work in birthwork can either foster a sense of safety and belonging or unintentionally create barriers and harm. The presentation will cover common challenges around language and offer practical, straightforward approaches to promote more inclusive and respectful communication. Its goal is to inspire reflection and support professionals in creating welcoming environments that honor the diverse identities of the families they serve.

Presenter: Sarah Wallace, Doula Services Association of BC 

Sarah Wallace (she/they) is a mom of four, a Full Spectrum Birthworker, Certified Childbirth Educator, and Documentary Photographer providing intuitive, evidence-based support for families through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and loss. A passionate advocate for mental health and respectful, affirming language in perinatal work, Sarah helps create safer, more inclusive spaces for families. Based in the unceded territories of the Sinixt, Ktunaxa, Syilx, and Secwepemc peoples in the West Kootenays, they serve families of all backgrounds, identities, and structures.