Evidence-based, Decision-Supporting Conversations About Fetal Monitoring
For experienced midwives who want calmer, clearer, woman-centred fetal monitoring conversations that work the way you practice.
You will:
- Learn a simple, repeatable, customisable structure you can use for any fetal monitoring conversation
- Practice communication skills that support women to make decisions
- Reduce your mental load with an exclusive Birth Small Talk resource that places what you need to remember right at your finger tips
- Feel confident about having honest, balanced conversations about the evidence for fetal monitoring
Does this sound like you?
You are an experienced midwife. Clinically, you know what you are doing.
When it comes to having fetal monitoring conversations, you might recognise some of these:
- You feel torn between what seems right vs hospital policy
- You want to be honest about the evidence-base without overwhelming or scaring people
- You've seen plenty of coercion and inadequate consent conversations, but rarely see best-practice approaches to model
- You worry you will forget something important or be held responsible for the woman's decisions
If any of these sound familiar, this is the course you are looking for.
Are you ready to have evidence-based, decision-supporting conversations in your practice?
 Here is what will change for you over the duration of the course...Â
1
You'll have a simple, repeatable, and personalised framework for every fetal monitoring conversation
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2
You'll develop confidence explaining options and evidence through practical exercises and structured feedback.
3
You'll feel less alone as you share with other midwives who care about excellence in professional practice.
This isn't about need to be perfect. It's about building on the conversations you are already having, so you feel more confident and more aligned with your vision of how you want to be as a midwife.
ENROL NOW
What do you get?
This isn't just a course. It's everything you need to set your self up for success...
Course details
Starts: Thursday April 23, 2026
Format: 1 new module each week for 8Â weeks
Weeks 1–2: Get settled in and learn the DEEP framework, starting with keeping Decisions at the centre.
Weeks 3–5: Go deeper into Evidence, Extras, and Patterns so you can explain options, add‑ons and heart rate patterns in plain language and support women to make a Plan.
Weeks 6–8: Avoid common communication pitfalls, refine your best‑practice techniques, and bring everything together into confident, evidence‑based, decision‑supporting conversations.
 The support system
- Monthly live online connection sessions with Dr Kirsten Small and the other midwives
- All sessions recorded so you can catch up if you miss out.
- Last Thursday evening of each month AEST
- "Join The Conversation" space
- A secure, Facebook-like area to connect and reflect.Â
- Fetal Monitoring Counselling Cards (printed)
- Your own set mailed to you (normally $85 AUD including postage if sold separately)
- Included free with your enrolment
Meeting your professional needs
- Certificates of completion to support claiming professional development hours
- Tax invoice provided (this is very likely a tax‑deductible work expense)
Professional development done right!
Learn with a content expert who is also an expert educator and experienced clinician. There are at least 10 hours of highly relevant professional development time built into the course - and more if you want it!
Is this for you?
This is for you if:
- You are practicing clinically as a midwife and are involved in conversations with women about fetal monitoring choices
- You are already confident in providing one or more fetal monitoring options - and you want to focus on having better conversations
- You care about women's autonomy and sharing evidence accurately and effectively
- You want a structured approach that is easy to remember and doesn't take a long time to use
- You prefer short practical lessons that you can do when you want to
This is probably not for you if:
- You are midwifery student
- You are not working clinically or rarely talk to women about fetal monitoring
- You wants scripts that will pressure women in a particular direction
- You are looking for a deep dive into the full evidence-base for fetal monitoring (the Fetal Monitoring Academy is a better option for that)
- You are looking for a CTG interpretation course
When and how much?
Enrol now and get ready to start learning on April 23, 2026.Â
Sign up before April 17 to take advantage of the Early Bird Discount
Are you a current Fetal Monitoring Academy Member?Â
If you are already a Fetal Monitoring Academy member, you'll receive an $85 loyalty coupon by email that you can apply to the pay-in-full price as a thank you for your ongoing support of the Academy.
Tossing up whether you should wait until August and join the Fetal Monitoring Academy or join this course now?
This course focusses on everyday fetal monitoring conversations - those short, but important conversations you have every week. Completing this course first will give you a quick-start set of practical conversation skills that will make the deeper work that goes on in the Academy even more relevant and powerful. In August, I'll be opening the doors to the Fetal Monitoring Academy again and encouraging all people who are looking for detailed understanding of the evidence to join me.Â
What do people say about their Birth Small Talk courses?
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
How much time will I need each week?
What if I can't attend the live support sessions?
Is this a CTG interpretation course so I don't need to do the one mandated by my hospital?
Is this relevant if I work in a hospital were CTG use is strongly policy driven?
Is this relevant if I work in an out-of-hospital setting and use intermittent auscultation?
Can I claim CPD / continuing education hours?
Ready for better fetal monitoring conversations?
I'm confident you know how important these conversations are. They are vital for women who want woman-centred care. They are a way for you to live up to your personal values and take pride in your profession. If you would like structure and support, I'd love to work with you.Â
Click to choose your preferred payment option and join me.
Not sure yet and need more information?
Share your email address and I'll be in touch - making it easy for you to ask any questions you might have and to learn more about your options while you consider the best choice for your unique situation.
Register for more information
about Evidence-Based Decision-Supporting Conversations
