systems level change startS with us

intro to restorative peer review®

IN PERSON INTENSIVE

Phoenix Metro Area

May 4 - 5, 2027

Experience the Intro to Restorative Peer Review Intensive on its own, or in combination with the 4 day Hybrid Intensive filled with birth simulations and scenarios.

Restorative Peer Review as a specific technology is unique in its structure, perspective and goals when compared to other review options available to midwives. Since its inception, Restorative Peer Review has been committed to practice improvement and personal growth through providing a review environment that enables accountability through acknowledgement of responsibility. The process has become honed through repetitive practice and a continuation of training Reviewers and Facilitators in restorative principles, particularly restorative questioning.

As more certified Restorative Peer Review Facilitators and Reviewers are being trained, we envision providing continuity and sustainability for systems level change.

HOW AN INTENSIVE WORKS

PRE-INTENSIVE WORK

Prior to coming together there will be required reading and pre-recorded presentations.

in-person

2 full days of case studies presented by FC Facilitators.
Learn as a team of Reviewers to practice the skills needed to be restorative.
Each experience will be backstitched to enhance your understanding.

Post-INTENSIVE zoom

For those interested in becoming a certified Reviewer and deepening this work.

COME TOGETHER WITH SHARED PURPOSES - INTERNAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND PRACTICE IMPROVEMENT

THIS IS NOT ABOUT JUDGING PRACTICE STYLES, IT'S ABOUT IDENTIFYING SYSTEM BREAKDOWNS AND KNOWLEDGE GAPS

NOT YOUR PRECEPTOR'S PEER REVIEW

WHAT IS BACK STITCHING?

Backstitching is a sewing technique where you move backward to fill the gap of the previous stitch, creating a continuous unbroken line.

We strengthen the work with these evening conversations by backstitching each review.

Backstitching builds up your inner problem solving dialogue.
What went well? What do we need to do different? What's our plan?

From a past Participant:

Learning the technology of a Restorative Peer Review as taught by Rowan and Sarita has been a game changer for me. I’ve been blessed to have been held twice in this sacred container and have also been a part of a few others for other midwives.

These are not just mere punitive reviews that we typically see being held elsewhere. They really are a sacred and safe space for a Midwife to share her story fully and openly, while being witnessed, loved and supported by her peers.

The stories are received without judgement and in their entirety and wholeness. We try to be in the same room with the person sharing the story and understand their emotional and thought processes. We strive to see where the person has already learned some lessons. And then we try to see if there have been any system breakdowns and whether or not we would recommend further education or exploration.

For me, restorative means in a way that health and wholeness can be regained.

Especially for us who tend to families within the childbearing continuum, and specifically during the time of birth where the potential for very intense events to happen is high, events that may reignite or be interpreted as trauma by our bodies. By way of participating, holding or being held in a container like this, a Midwife who has been through a very intense situation has the opportunity to stop and take an honest brave look at the situation and see where there has been growth and where new learning and understandings can happen.

This way, she can look back and learn from her story and support or start her healing process, thus restoring her wholeness. For me, this is a most loving and respectful way of holding stories and the carriers of those stories, the birth attendants, the midwives, so that we all continue to grow collectively, thus taking further small steps to heal the current nervous system of midwifery in general. Sarita likes to say we learn midwifery mostly from stories and it’s true. Because everyone taking part in a RPR learns from the stories shared. In addition to that, we also learn to be and stay more human, fostering power within instead of power over and deepening sisterly bonds, so necessary for the continuation of this ancient art of midwifery.

WHO IS THIS FOR?

Practice improvement for midwives at every stage

Practicing Midwives - Independent or Certified

Student Midwives

Birthkeepers

what is included in the price?

Front-loaded content followed by two days practically applying the skills for Restorative Peer Review. A post-Intensive Zoom if you're wanting to go deeper with RPR for your community.

Start together over breakfast on Day One followed by case studies presented by FC Facilitators all the way through to dinner time. Breaks, lunch, dinner, and backstitching will fill the in between moments.

All of your meals, coffee, good chocolate, + snacks for our 2 days.

EXCLUSIVE early access to our upcoming Intensives, online Collectives, and Community Connections.

"What I have witnessed with the RPR in this group is that each storyteller is reflective and learning something from the experience they are sharing."

ABOUT LODGING

Lodging is available in our Intensive House if needed (for additional cost).

If you're local, feel free to sleep at home, and join us for coffee and continental breakfast. Punctuality is required.

Borrow a local couch or guest room.

"The Restorative Peer Review process is every bit as brilliant as it sounds. Complementary to the Restorative Justice model, it upholds a similar ethos that is deeply needed in the midwifery community. Current peer review practices are often lacking substance at best, and are actively harmful at worst. In contrast, the Restorative Peer Review model offers accountability, compassion, and community weaving — the kind of relationship-centered modeling that midwifery truly needs. Participating in this process felt like a warm hug paired with a deeper understanding of my skills and areas for reflection. If you’re seeking peer review that genuinely transforms your care, look no further." Sarah Braun