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• BCAPOP Member-Only Perinatal Community of Practice: Trauma-informed Practice for Perinatal Professionals

  • When
    June 25, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Zoom

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  The goal of trauma-informed practice (TIP) is to avoid re-traumatizing individuals and to support safety, choice, and control in our interactions, so our clients can benefit from our services and enhance their strengths and skills. TIP involves awareness of the effects of trauma, how to translate this awareness into one’s practice, as well as organizational commitment. The need for, and benefits of, trauma informed approaches continue to be noted: to promote engagement, achieve equity goals, and support worker resilience. This presentation will provide an update on trauma informed approaches, touch on how organizational culture and practices matter in the enactment of TIP, and invite reflection and discussion on the implications for participants’ work.

  Learning objectives:

  • To increase awareness of current developments regarding trauma informed practice, in contexts similar to pregnancy outreach programs
  • To highlight how organizations are becoming trauma informed by putting in place policies that support worker wellness and resilience
  • To share practice resources which may be helpful when enacting trauma informed practice in the context of pregnancy outreach programs

  Presenter: Nancy Poole, PhD LLD (Hon.)

  

  Nancy is the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, and the Prevention Lead for the CanFASD Research Network.  Nancy has co-developed toolkits and training curricula on trauma-informed practice with agencies and governments across Canada, and teaches on trauma informed practice for the Justice Institute of BC. 

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• Exhibitor Table at BCAPOP's 27th Annual Perinatal Conference

  • Start
    April 28, 2026
  •  
    8:00 AM
  • End
    April 29, 2026
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • Location
    Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport, 3099 Corvette Way, Richmond, BC (In-Person)
  • Spaces left
    16

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  Photo credit: www.albertlaw.ca

  LAND ACKNOWLEDEMENT
  

  We respectfully acknowledge that our conference is held on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam Peoples. 

  ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

  This annual event draws more than 185 perinatal professionals and helping peers from BC and features three full days of opportunities, including a pre-conference session, Networking Reception and a two-day main conference.  Attendees will experience a program full of inspiring speakers, best practice updates, skill building sessions, and the strengthening of a provincial network that drives perinatal professionals and helping peers to improve outcomes for perinatal people and their families.                                                                

  EXHIBITOR TABLE PACKAGE

  $2130.00 | 9 AVAILABLE

  
  

  • Exhibitor table in ballroom lobby on April 28th & 29th, 2026 for the main conference.
  • Two main conference & Networking Reception registrations included. Additional table hosts are required to register for the conference.
  • Logo inclusion in print, digital, and on-site promotional materials including on the Exhibitor Passport, encouraging attendees to interact with your exhibitor table.

  
  

  TRAVEL & ACCOMODATIONS
  

  The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport in Richmond, BC. 

  The Westin Wall Centre will be offering a limited room block rate of $269/night plus taxes & parking for BCAPOP conference attendees. Exhibitors will receive the link once available. 

  You are responsible for your own travel expenses and/or hotel accommodations, which are not included in your ticket price. 

  PAYMENT INFORMATION

  Payment is due within 30 days of invoice. No refunds or cancellations, however substitutions are permitted. Please email admin@bcapop.ca for substitution requests. 

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• BCAPOP Members Only Speakers Series: Decolonizing the Binary within Birthing (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.

  
  

  
  

  Through this recorded presentation we will cover Two-Spirit history, challenge the binary, and work together to create pathways to support a non- binary birthing experience.

  Presenter:  

  Jessy Dame (He/Him) -  RN(c), MSN, Two-Spirit Program Manager

  

   is a very proud Two-Spirit, Métis, Certified Registered Nurse. Jessy’s family is from Treaty 1 and 2 territory, which is known today as Winnipeg and St Rose-du-lac. Jessy has worked within Neonatal/Postnatal health. He currently works casually within a queer sexual health clinic in downtown Vancouver. Jessy is the Indigenous Sex and Gender Leader within the Indigenous Wellness team and the Two-Spirit Program Manager with the Community Based Research Centre. Through these roles Jessy is able to work with and for the Two-Spirit community to create resources and advocate for services.

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• BCAPOP Members Only Speakers Series: Determinants of Postpartum Depression in Primiparous Mothers (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.

  
  

  Through this recorded presentation we will cover Discrepancies between prenatal social support expectations and experiences could lead to a high risk of postpartum depression in primiparous women. Assessment and implementation of support system during pregnancy is crucial in supporting mothers mental health and physical wellbeing. Postpartum depression has been undermined for years which resulted in creating more barriers for pregnancy and parenting women. Our support system plays a vital role in influencing positive environment for the nourishment of the baby and mothers health. This presentation will highlight the challenges faced by primiparous women leading to postpartum depression and significance of social support to enhance mental health and well being of mothers.

  Presenter:  

  Ammy Kaur, Maternal Child Health Worker

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• BCAPOP Members Only Speakers Series: Adoption in BC (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.
  

  This recorded video will focus on adoption options in BC, as well as the support services the Adoption Centre of BC provides to birth parents considering adoption. This webinar will also include information regarding the process of adoption, the birth parents' rights and how other professionals can help support birth parents who are considering adoption as an option.

  Presenter:

  Linette Sandor, BA, BSW, RSW

  is the Birth Parent Coordinator with the Adoption Centre of BC, where she has worked since 2011. Linette has been a social worker since 1998. She spent the first ten years of her career in Alberta working in child protection and then worked for a number of years with Child and Youth Mental Health after moving to BC. Linette has a strong passion for working with birth parents across the province who are considering adoption.
  

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• BCAPOP Members Only Speakers Series: Talk to Me, Play with Me, Carry me (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.

  This recorded video will focus on how technology entered our lives so quickly that we did not have a chance to prepare for how to balance our time on screens with our time with children. This campaign was designed to highlight the importance of everyday interactions while drawing attention to the impact that parental screen use and overuse of baby equipment can have on children's development. Learn how a community came together with an innovative approach to respond to the growing concerns seen in playgrounds, coffee shops and homes everywhere!

  Presenter:  Cora Boecker -  Supervisor, Langley Infant Development Programme

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• BCAPOP Members Only Speakers Series: SmartMom: Teaching Prenatal Education by Texting (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.

   This recorded video will focus on SmartMom, which is a prenatal education program delivered by text messaging.  Women receive three text messages per week, linked to their gestational age to ensure that the messages are timely and relevant. Each message has a link to online or local information, including links to videos, quizzes and other interactive modalities.

  
  

  Presenter:

  Patricia Janssen, Professor, UBC School of Population and Public Health
  

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• BCAPOP Member-Only Perinatal Community of Practice Perinatal Nutrition Essentials for Professionals (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.

  Explore the latest, evidence-based insights in perinatal nutrition with our nutrition experts.

  This recorded video offers a deep dive into the nutritional needs during pregnancy, chest/breastfeeding, and the postpartum period, focusing on evidence-based best practices. We'll cover key topics such as macro and micronutrient balance, managing special conditions like gestational diabetes, and infant nutrition basics. Attendees will be engaged with case studies and further resources to support their participants, clients or patients. Designed for perinatal professionals and helping peers, this webinar offers an up-to-date and inclusive approach to offer best-practice perinatal nutrition support. 

  • An In-depth Overview of Nutrition's Role in the Perinatal Period
  • Exploring the Role of Dietitians in Perinatal Care
  • Comprehensive Guide to Nutritional Needs Before, During, and After Pregnancy
  • Addressing Special Dietary Considerations: Morning Sickness, Gestational Diabetes, Food Allergies and Intolerances, Plant-Based Diets
  • Consideration and Selection of Nutritional Supplements
  • Essentials of Infant Nutrition: Chest/Breastfeeding and Formula, Managing Allergies and Intolerances, Introduction to Solids
  • Navigating Food Accessibility Challenges: Considerations for Infant Formula, Baby Food, and Supplements
  • Case Studies: Real-World Applications and Outcomes
  • Concluding Remarks and Additional Resources

  Amy Chow (She/Her), Registered Dietitian, Founder of Chow Down Nutrition & Find BC Dietitians Inc.
  

  

  Amy is a Registered Dietitian with a focus on pediatric nutrition, food allergy management, and eating disorder recovery. She respectfully acknowledges her practice on the traditional lands of the q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), q̓ic̓əy̓ (Katzie), Máthxwi (Matsqui), and Se'mya'me (Semiahmoo) First Nations. Practicing as a dietitian in British Columbia since 2011, she has honed her skills in diverse clinical settings, including BC Children's Hospital and Healthlink BC.  As a SOS trained feeding therapist and a mother to an adventurous 8-year-old, Amy brings a unique blend of professional knowledge and real-life experience. Her passion lies in empowering families with confidence in nutrition and reinstating the joy of eating.  As the founder of Find BC Dietitians, she is committed to connect individuals with nutrition experts and to promote evidence-based and harm reduction nutrition messaging across healthcare professionals.

  Lillian Yin (She/Her), Registered Dietitian, MPH Candidate, Health Promoter, Certified Diabetes Educator

  Lillian is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, health promoter, food advocate and a humble settler on the lands of the Coast Salish Peoples including the lands of the  kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlil̓wətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. She is currently working towards a Master’s in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. In her practice at Vancouver Coastal Health’s Youth Pregnancy and Parenting Program for the previous four years and now in her private practice, she takes a client-led approach, focusing on strengths, identifying barriers, cultural safety, and trauma-informed, compassionate support. She is grateful to walk alongside so many transformative perinatal journeys. 

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• BCAPOP Member-Only Perinatal Community of Practice: Child Welfare as an Ally (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.

  This recorded video is a conversation with MCFD about the improving approaches to supporting people, including a better understanding of the supportive, trauma and violence informed approach/practice that the MCFD is embracing. Increased collaboration with community partners helps us achieve better outcomes for pregnant people, infants, children, youth and families.

  Presenter:

  Kerry Shinners, Director of Practice, MCFD

  

  Originally from Montreal, Kerry completed two undergraduate degrees at the University of Ottawa and started her career “aiding children” at the Hastings County Children Aid Society in Ontario in 1992, with no knowledge of the world of child protection.  In 1996 following the Gove Inquiry, Kerry headed west, to Quesnel and has worked in the North ever since. Earning a BSW from University of Victoria in 1997 and working in various MCFD positions and offices across the North has supported a well-rounded experience and continued passion for her work. Kerry values collaboration and partnership in this hard and heart work.

  
  

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• BCAPOP Member-Only Perinatal Community of Practice: Healthcare Ethics in the Context of Perinatal Substance Use (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.

  This recorded video will use case examples to illustrate how diverse approaches to ethics (feminist, intersectional, narrative and relational approaches) can help in supporting patients at the intersection of perinatal care and substance use care to help advance justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

  Learning objectives, by the end of this session we will:

  • Expand our understanding of what ethics means and why it is important in our practice.
  • Identify key ethical considerations related to perinatal substance use services and care.
  • Increase our ability to apply an anti-oppression ethics lens to our practice.

  Presenter: 
  

  Alexandra Olmos Pérez, LL.B, MSc, PhD (she/her)  Ethicist, PHSA Ethics Service 

  

  Ale is a healthcare ethicists at PHSA, where she provides consultation for teams, patients and families. She is originally from Mexico City, where she completed her education. She has a Law Degree, a Master's degree in Science, specifically in the area of Bioethics, and a PhD also in Bioethics from the National University of Mexico, UNAM. Ale is passionate about anti-oppression work and education, and tries to incorporate that lens into her daily practice. Before coming to Canada, Ale worked for the National Human Rights Commission in Mexico and the National Bioethics Commission. She also taught Bioethics, Law and Human Rights theory in various private and public academic institutions.

  
  

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• BCAPOP Member-Only Perinatal Community of Practice: Navigating Birth Trauma, Perinatal Loss, and Vicarious Trauma within the Care Team and System (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.

  Learning objectives, by the end of this session we will:

  • To recognize the risks and signs of birth trauma and secondary trauma and assess options for support.
  • To identify and appraise supports for pregnancy and infant loss.
  • To offer suggestions to members of the care team for communication with clients around trauma and loss
  • To direct members of the perinatal care team to resources around reducing vicarious trauma and to provide some skills for trauma-aware debriefing and case review. 

  Presenter: 
  

  Sarah Hilbert-West, Registered Midwife, MEd - Counselling 

  
  

  Sarah Hilbert-West is a registered midwife and counsellor practicing in Prince George, BC.  Born and raised in northern bc, she is passionate about compassionate, comprehensive, client centered care, delivered close to home.  Her interest in maternal mental health is focused around reproductive trauma, perinatal loss and secondary trauma in health care, as well as general reproductive mental health.    

  
  

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• BCAPOP Member-Only Perinatal Community of Practice: Perinatal Mental Illness: Recognizing and Responding (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you register.

  In this session, participants will learn about, or deepen their understanding of, perinatal depression and postpartum psychosis and how to support birthing people experiencing them. The session will begin with descriptions of what it is like to experience perinatal depression and postpartum psychosis. We will then discuss how to recognize these illnesses, including options for informal and formal screening. Finally, we will cover ways to support families who are experiencing these illnesses.

  Learning objectives:

  - To  describe the signs and symptoms of perinatal depression and postpartum psychosis.

  - To outline options for screening for perinatal mental illness, including considerations for implementation and limitations.

  - To summarize management strategies for perinatal mental illnesses, including attention to support for a shared decision-making process.

  Presenter: 
  

  Catriona Hippman, PhD, CGC (she/her)

  Dr. Catriona Hippman, PhD, CGC, is a postdoctoral research fellow with the UBC Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, the BC Women's Reproductive Mental Health Program, and the University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing. Her fellowship is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Michael Smith Health Research BC, the Killam Trusts, the University of Calgary Eyes High Program, and the BC Women's Health Foundation, and her research work is additionally supported by generous gifts from an anonymous donor and iA Financial Group. She was recently honored to receive the 2023 WHRI Early Career Researcher Award in Women’s Mental Health. Her fellowship work aims to elucidate strategies best suited to the Canadian context for the care of women experiencing acute postpartum mental illness, through parallel lines of both qualitative and quantitative inquiry into Canadian and international experiences. 

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• BCAPOP Member-Only Perinatal Community of Practice: What is Sexual Health? Going Beyond Taboos to Support Perinatal Clients (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

  Register

  

  You will have access to the video as soon as you receive your confirmation email.

  Sexual health is often misunderstood and highly stigmatized. However, at its core, it is about understanding our health and having the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to maintain good sexual, reproductive, and overall health across the lifespan.                               

  In this presentation, we will explore what sexual health is, and why it continues to be important to practice when working with clients who are pregnant, or recently postpartum. This presentation will cover a range of topics including contraception, maternity care, and violence prevention and how perinatal professionals can use key approaches like trauma-informed practice and harm reduction to support the wellbeing of clients.

  The learning objectives for this presentation are:

  • To develop a greater understanding of what sexual health and its impacts on physical, emotional, and relational health and wellbeing;
  • To increase perinatal professional confidence in discussing sexual health with clients in the perinatal period; and,
  • To apply existing strategies, like trauma-informed practice and harm reduction, in the provision of sexual health.

  Presenter: Lindsay Wolfson, MPH (she/her)

  

  Lindsay is a public health researcher, sexual health educator, and consultant. She is the Research Manager at the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health and holds a Master of Public Health, Social Inequities and Health, from Simon Fraser University. Lindsay has worked in Canada and internationally on a broad range of women’s health issues. She has over 10 years of experience working in anti-violence, anti-trafficking, substance use, chronic pain, sexual health, and women’s health policy and practice. Lindsay lives with chronic pain and is pursuing a Master of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University, with the hopes of working with clients who live with pain after she graduates.

  
  

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• BCAPOP Member-Only Perinatal Community of Practice: Myth or Fact? Contraception & the Newly Postpartum (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

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  You will have access to the video as soon as you receive your confirmation email.

  In this presentation, Dr. Power and Dr. Lea will review the current Society of Obstetricians & Gynecologists of Canada contraceptive guidelines as well as Universal Coverage impact in BC. 
  

  This presentation will include patient cases along with a Myth or Fact discussion regarding:

  • timing of contraception counselling and initiation
  • birth control, hormones, lactation and milk supply, infant feeding
  • contraception and future fertility

  Presenters: 

  Sarah Lea, MD (she/her) 

  I am a family, maternity and addiction medicine physician. I work with a group of incredible female physicians where we do full service family practice and maternity care. Before medical school I trained in epidemiology and community health, which ignited my passion for accessible and reliable health information!

  
  

  Alicia Power, MD (she/her) 

  I am a family doc who is  passionate about the care of  young families from pre-pregnancy through the entire lifespan! I also work with Dr. Sarah at Grow Health. I started my medical journey with kinesiology, which instilled in me a passion for healthy living as medicine.

  
  

  BCAPOP gratefully acknowledges that the funding for this presentation was provided by Bayer Inc. This funding is not provided by Bayer to induce, influence or reward the past, present or future prescribing, supply, purchasing or recommending of any Bayer product (including formulary recommendations). This funding is provided with no consideration expected in return for Bayer.

  
  

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• BCAPOP Member-Only Perinatal Community of Practice: Perinatal Anger: A Neglected Facet of Perinatal Mental Health (Recorded Video)

  • When
    July 31, 2027
  • Location
    Recorded Video

  Register

  
  

  You will have access to the video as soon as you receive your confirmation email.

  Please join us for this important presentation and discussion on perinatal anger.  The learning objectives for this presentation are:

  • Explore the prevalence, triggers, and impacts of perinatal anger on birthing parents and their partners during pregnancy and postpartum.
  • Describe family, community, and policy-oriented solutions to reduce parental anger and distress, including evidence-based interventions and support systems.
  • Equip attendees with practical, community-based skills and strategies to support birthing parents in managing perinatal anger and improving overall well-being.

  
  Presenter: Christine Ou, RN PhD (she/her) 
  

  

  Dr. Christine Ou (RN, PhD) is an Assistant Professor at the UVic School of Nursing. As a pediatric registered nurse, she continues to support children and families with a program of research focused on the sleep and psychosocial well-being of families with infants and young children. She is also a Pacific Post Partum Support Society board director and the Principal Investigator of the Parent-Child Lab.

  
  

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