Curriculum Topic: Group Activity, Virtual Friendly
Activity Type: Multi-topic
Purpose: With education and discussion, we can give pregnant women and their partners suggestions and encouragement to work through their fears to gain confidence in their ability to give birth.
Supplies: -Sticky notes (or index cards) for each group
-Header cards for each group labeled: Take Action, Seek Information, Accept Reality, Use Inner Resources.
-Flip chart paper if using sticky-note method
Instructions:
-Divide class into small groups (2-3 partner units)
-Give each group multiple "sticky-notes" or index cards
-Have the groups brainstorm fears and concerns that pregnancy families might have.
-Record their "worries" on separate "sticky-notes" or index cards
-Provide to each group, cards that say: Take Action, Seek Information, Accept Reality, Use Inner Resources.
-As a group, they place the fear and concern “sticky notes” in a vertical line on a flip chart (or on the floor or table if using index cards) and the header cards across the top in a horizontal line thus creating a grid.
-Discuss and list on the grid ways they might take action, find information, use inner resources, or accept reality for each group of concerns.
Talking Points:
EXAMPLE: Fear is of baby not surviving. Cause of fear is that mom is having preterm contractions.
Take action: Rest, try to de-stress and learn relaxation skills, seek medical help/advice.
Seek reassurance/information: Biofeedback, condition of cervix, difference in contraction and uterine irritability. Accept the reality: Yes, this could be a problem, or no, these are normal sensations.
Inner Strength: Meditation and relaxation skills. Positive affirmations and self-talk.
Modifications:
Each group contributes their cards to a larger grid encompassing the entire class. Whole group discussion categorizing fear and concerns by how one could respond to them (taking action, seeking information, accepting reality, and using inner resources).
Reference: This learning task is adapted from a presentation, Containing Anxiety and Encouraging Confidence in Pregnancy, given by Sharron Gibbs at a Lamaze International Conference.
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