Curriculum Topic: Group Activity
Activity Type: Healthy Birth Practice 6, Breastfeeding
Purpose: “Breastmilk is Best” - Research is overwhelming when it comes to the benefits of breastmilk versus formula. Even on Formula Cans: all companies will say this. This is not biased, just factual. However, acknowleging that there may be challenges or contraindications for breastfeeding is important, such as: -Variables found in: Baby: Mom: -Tongue-Tied -Flat or Inverted Nipples -High Palate -Breast Reduction or Implant Surgery -Pre-Term -Breast Cancer -Weight Loss -Diseases -Jaundice -Need to take medication -History of physical or mental abuse -Lifestyle choice (mother may with to use drugs or alcohol)
Supplies: Sample list of items that can be included in the Grab Bag. Choose the ones you want to include with your "Talking Points":
-Belly Balls: Size of baby’s stomach at birth; show bottle with 2 oz; Colostrum; pumping not efficient
-Photo of Buffet Table: Taste of breast milk is different with every feeding
-Photo of Microscope: breastmilk is “living tissue” can see cells under microscope; Probiotics
-Unscented Deodorant: Easier latch it mom smells like “mom”
-Ice Maker: concept of “Supply & Demand” ;to make more ice, you have to take out ice; Cluster Feeding
-Food Nutrition Chart: breastmilk composition changes as baby grows each week/month
- Diaper with smile face: breastfed baby’s poop doesn’t smell bad
-Travel Advertisement: easier to travel when breastfeeding; temperature; sterile
-Play Money: breastfeeding is FREE
-SIDS Bookmark (guidelines for reducing): breastfed babies have lower incidence of SIDS
- Pacifier: talk about guidelines for use of pacifier when breastfeeding
-Stethoscope: healthier mom’s and babies; decreased cancers, allergies, asthma, Crohns, IBS, ear infection
-Toothbrush: healthy jaw development; healthy teeth
- Hunger Cues: descriptions
-Paper Heart with “Oxytocin”: Bonding
-Syringe: Antibodies in colostrum
-Report Card: breastmilk increase IQ
-Hand Sanitizer: breastmilk is already sterile (unlike formula in bottles)
-Thermometer: breastmilk is always perfect temperature
-Sleep Mask: breastfeeding mothers and babies get more restful sleep
-Picture of Clock: less time involved with breastfeeding opposed to bottle feeding
-Tape Measure: easier for mom to lose pregnancy weight
-Postpartum Depression Resource Brochure: less PP depression reported when breastfeeding
-La Leche League Brochure: find support resources
-Condom: breastfeeding is NOT guaranteed birth control
-Large Pad: delayed periods
-Play Cell Phone: don’t hesitate to ask for help; recommend putting DOWN the phone while nursing!
Instructions:
Pass the bag around the room and have each person (or pair) take an item. Put everyone into groups so they can discuss the meaning of their items with others. Tell everyone that each of the items in the bags represents a “fact about breastfeeding” OR “benefits of breastfeeding to mother or baby”. Their item can be a Literal or a figurative representation of these concepts. Give the groups enough time to come up with "guesses" for their items. Then, go around the room and have each group describe how their items represent a "fact about breastfeeding" or a "benefit of breastfeeding to mother or baby". Correct any myths or misinformation. And, add in any additional "facts or benefits" that weren't mentioned.
Talking Points:
See description after each item above
Modifications:
This activity can also be done as a "Risks to Not Breastfeeding" Grab Bag
Reference: Adapted from the Lamaze Toolkit; Teri Shilling, MS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), IBCLC, LCCE, FACCE
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