Nurturing the Hidden Wounds of Infertility in Perinatal Care

The road from infertility to pregnancy is paved with both hope and heartache. For many clients, a positive test does not erase the deep emotional roots of their fertility journey—it transforms them. In this session, we will explore how doulas can nurture lasting support (“endless roots”) for clients carrying infertility’s emotional imprint into pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Together, we will deepen our understanding of infertility’s mental health impact and strengthen our role as trusted companions, helping clients reach new heights in their parenthood journeys while honoring the complex paths that brought them here.

Participants will explore the emotional and mental health impacts of infertility that can persist into pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They will identify key risk factors for mental health challenges in clients with a history of infertility and develop an understanding of when and how to refer clients to specialized support. Finally, participants will implement practical, trauma-informed strategies to provide compassionate, infertility-sensitive care within their doula practice.