Curriculum Topic: Group Activity, Individual Activity
Activity Type: Labor & Birth, Healthy Birth Practice 4, Birth Planning, Cesarean Birth, Medical Interventions
Purpose: Help families distinguish between "hard" and "soft" reasons for a cesarean birth
Time Needed: 5-15 minutes
Supplies: Laminated cards, each with a reason for a cesarean birth
Another two laminated cards, one saying "Hard" and one "Soft"
Hard: transverse baby, active Herpes lesions, HIV, maternal health conditions, fetal health conditions, fibroids, placenta previa, prolapsed cord, pacental abruption, aternal request
Soft: big baby, twins, higher-order multiples, breech baby, previous cesarean(s), failure to progress in labor, failure to push baby out, nonreassuring fetal heart tones, failed induction, PROM with no contractions, maternal exhaustion, previous uterine/cervical surgery
Instructions:
Ask particiapnts to work together to sort all the reasons for a cesarean into two groups, one pile for reasons that have no other options and another group that might be able to achieve a vaginal birth with a supportive and skilled team. When it appears that the small groups have all completed the sorting activity, we come back together as a large group to discuss and clarify answers. There is an opportunity to brainstorm alternatives that might prevent a cesarean when one is not absolutely necessary.
Set-Up:
Start off by asking the entire class if they know anyone who has given birth by cesarean and if they know why a cesarean was performed. They popcorn the reasons that they have heard or know of. Then, introduce the topic of necessary cesareans and situations when there might have been a different option. The class forms into small groups of two or three families each and are given one pack of the above cards.
Talking Points:
The current cesarean rate in the USA is just under 32% and seems to be slowly, slowly creeping down. Canada's rate is still going up and while the NTSV rate is lower, it is a fact that if there are to be any major changes on the number of cesarean births, it is key to prevent the primary cesarean from happening. There are times when a cesarean is an appropriate and necessary alternative to a vaginal birth, but it is estimated that half of all cesareans are unnecessary. Knowing that there are questions to ask and things that families can do to set themselves up for success builds confidence and reinforces the importance of shared decision making. Point out that families can dialogue with their providers and ask questions in advance of labor.
Modifications:
You can do this as an entire class by having these cards on 8 1/2 by 11 paper, or use smaller sets and let the class work in small groups.
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