Fetal Infant Mortality Review: Building Collaborative Strategies to Save Lives

This session offers doulas a compelling look at how community-based mortality review processes connect directly to doula practice. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how pairing data with qualitative insights drives meaningful change, and how doulas play a critical role in supporting and advocating for families, especially those who may lack a voice in the healthcare system.

Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) is conducted by an interdisciplinary team that examines cases of fetal deaths (20 weeks gestation and beyond) and infant deaths occurring before the first birthday. Teams meet monthly to review deidentified medical records and, when families agree, parent interviews that capture perspectives which may differ from medical documentation.

Key takeaways from FIMR reviews align closely with core doula values: promoting respectful maternity care, addressing social determinants of health, practicing cultural humility, and enhancing education and engagement. Doula involvement ensures families receive better support and advocacy at every step.