Training and Presentations – Deaf Birth Services

Community Presentations

Onsite or Virtual
Training/Presentations

I am passionate about providing both virtual and onsite training and presentations for interpreters, families, community partners, and medical professionals.

As a Deaf birth worker, I bring a unique perspective on equitable, culturally competent care for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing parents. I aim to foster accessibility, improve communication, and create more inclusive birth and healthcare experiences.

Whether through interactive workshops, hands-on skill-building, or discussions on best practices, I enjoy empowering others with the knowledge and tools needed to support Deaf families confidently and effectively.

Training for those interested in interpreting in the birth space

Interpreting for Labor & Birth: Unique Challenges & Solutions: Techniques for medical, emotional, and high-stress interpreting.
Specialized Birth Terminology in ASL: Common and complex terms used in obstetrics, midwifery, and newborn care.
Ethical Considerations in Birth Interpreting: Maintaining professional boundaries while supporting laboring parents.
Positioning & Visibility in the Birth Space: Best practices for interpreters working in low-light, high-movement environments.
When to Call for a Deaf Birth Worker vs. an Interpreter: Understanding the distinct roles of Deaf birth professionals and interpreters.

For Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community Partners:

Building Accessible Perinatal Support Networks: Strengthening community resources for Deaf parents.
Training Deaf Birth Workers: Expanding Career Paths in Birth Work: How community organizations can support aspiring Deaf doulas, midwives, and lactation consultants.
Supporting Deaf Parents Beyond Birth: Providing ongoing education, mental health resources, and childcare support.
Reproductive Justice & the Deaf Community: Addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes and advocating for systemic change.
Connecting Deaf Parents with Birth & Parenting Resources: How to make existing programs more accessible.

For Hospital Staff & Medical Professionals:

Providing Equitable & Culturally Competent Birth Care for Deaf Patients: Understanding Deaf culture, communication needs, and accessibility laws.
Improving Communication in the Birth Space: How to work effectively with interpreters, technology (VRI vs. in-person), and written communication with the Deaf or Hard of Hearing Patient/Client.
ADA Compliance in Maternity Care: Legal responsibilities and best practices for accommodating Deaf parents.
Emergency Situations & Deaf Patients: How to ensure effective communication during urgent or high-stress situations.
Best Practices for Supporting Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Parents in Labor & Postpartum: From prenatal care to discharge.

Expertise

Prenatal Education for Deaf Parents

Expecting & New Parents

Navigating Birth as a Deaf Parent

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Communication strategies, accessibility tips, and self-advocacy.

As a Deaf Parent

Choosing a birth provider who understands Deaf accessibility needs

Prepare your birth team to support you effectively based on your birth choices

Self-advocacy tips when providers are unfamiliar with Deaf culture

Birth Options for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Families

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Home birth, birth centers, hospital births—pros, cons, and accessibility considerations.

Your Choice

Differences between home birth, birth center, and hospital birth accessibility

What to consider when choosing a Deaf-friendly provider and questions to ask during prenatal visits about communication access

Creating a Birth Plan with Accessibility in Mind

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Ensuring clear communication with providers, requesting interpreters, and preparing for various scenarios.

Birth Plan

Key elements to include in a birth plan for Deaf parents include backup plans if communication access is not provided

Communicating labor and birth preferences to providers and interpreters

How to request in-person ASL interpreters instead of VRI

Breastfeeding and Infant Care as a Deaf Parent:

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Visual learning techniques, babywearing, and accessible resources.

Hands On Practice

Hands-on techniques for visual learning in infant care

Accessing lactation support and resources as a Deaf parent

Teaching family members how to support your feeding goals

Partner & Family Involvement in a Deaf Parent’s Birth Experience:

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How hearing and Deaf family members can support birth and postpartum.

Deaf-Parented Home

How partners and family can best support a Deaf birthing parent

Educating families on Deaf culture and accessibility needs

Preparing hearing children to grow up in a Deaf-parented home

The Role of a Deaf Doula or Midwife

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How culturally competent birth support makes a difference.

Direct Access

The difference between a Deaf birth worker and an ASL interpreter

Why ASL interpreters can't also be a Doula