Curriculum Topic: Group Activity, Individual Activity
Activity Type: Labor & Birth, Healthy Birth Practice 3, Labor Support, Healthy Birth Practice 2
Instructions:
Ask each participant to “divide the pie” according to what they think the birthing person will use/need in labor. After a few minutes, ask them to compare and discuss their choices with their partner. The discussion may be opened to the entire group if you wish. This should be done after information about all pain management options has been given: medical options as well as non-medical options.
Talking Points:
It is important to begin communicating your expectations for labor and birth with your support team ( and partner) even before labor begins. These wishes can then be shared with healthcare providers.
Modifications:
Many childbirth educators like to use the pain medications preference scale developed by Penny Simkin. The pregnant woman and the labor partner can each be asked where they fall on a scale from –10 (wants no medication, even for a cesarean surgery) to +10 (wants to feel nothing; desires medication even before labor begins). The two can then discuss their preferences with one another well ahead of labor. A tearpad of the handout is available from Childbirth Graphics.
Reference: Adapted from the Lamaze Toolkit
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