HOW TO USE THIS COURSE SAFELY

Welcome. This course has been created to support your learning, reflection, and confidence as you move through pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood.

To make the most of this space and to ensure it is used safely - please read the guidance below before you begin.

1. WHAT THIS COURSE IS

This course is:

•  An educational program

•  A space for reflection, enquiry, and learning

•  Designed to support informed conversations with your care providers

•  Grounded in experience, evidence, and respect for autonomy

It is intended to help you think more clearly, feel more resourced, and approach your journey with greater awareness.

2. WHAT THIS COURSE IS NOT

This course is not:

•  Midwifery care

•  Medical or clinical advice

•  A substitute for your healthcare provider

•  A place for diagnosis or treatment decisions

Although Abbey Rodda is a registered midwife, she is not acting as your midwife or clinician within this course.

3. HOW ABBEY PARTICIPATES IN THIS COURSE

Within this course and any associated community:

•  Abbey participates in an educational capacity only

•  She does not assess, diagnose, or treat

•  She does not have access to your medical history or clinical context

•  Responses to questions are general and non-individualised

If something arises that requires clinical assessment, you will be encouraged to seek support from your own healthcare provider.

4. YOUR ROLE AS A PARTICIPANT

Using this course safely means:

•  Staying connected with your midwife, GP, obstetrician, or healthcare team

•  Bringing questions raised here into conversations with them

•  Not relying on this course to make clinical decisions on its own

You remain the central decision-maker in your care, supported by qualified professionals.

5. USING THE CONTENT THOUGHTFULLY

As you move through the modules:

•  Take what resonates

•  Notice what brings up questions or discomfort

•  Allow space for reflection rather than urgency

•  Avoid applying information rigidly or without context

Learning is not linear, and your experience does not need to match anyone else’s.

6. QUESTIONS, Q&A & COMMUNITY SPACES

If your program includes questions or community participation:

•  Questions are answered in an educational and reflective way

•  Responses are not personalised healthcare advice

•  Not all questions can be answered if they require clinical assessment

In community spaces:

•  Speak from personal experience

•  Avoid giving medical advice to others

•  Respect difference, nuance, and autonomy

7. WHEN TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL OR URGENT HELP

This course and community are not suitable for urgent or emergency concerns.

If you or your baby experience:

•  Sudden or worsening symptoms

•  Distress, pain, or changes that concern you

•  Mental health distress that feels overwhelming

Please contact:

•  Your healthcare provider, or

•  Emergency services (000 in Australia)

8. EMOTIONAL & PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY

Some content may bring up strong emotions, especially if you have previous difficult experiences.

You are encouraged to:

•  Pause when needed

•  Seek additional emotional or psychological support

•  Care for yourself gently as you engage with the material

Support is a strength, not a failure.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY & RESPECT

If you participate in community spaces:

•  Respect the privacy of others

•  Do not share posts or discussions outside the group

•  Engage with kindness, curiosity, and care

10. A FINAL WORD

This course is offered in the spirit of:

•  Ethical education

•  Professional integrity

•  Respect for your autonomy and lived experience

Used alongside professional care, it is intended to support you - not carry you.

REQUIRED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (RECOMMENDED)

Before continuing, participants should acknowledge:

I understand that this course is educational in nature, does not replace clinical care, and that Abbey Rodda is not acting as my midwife or healthcare provider within this program.