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Pedicure Surprise
Curriculum Topic: Group Activity
Activity Type: Multi-topic, Birth Planning
Purpose: This activity illustrates what may happen when a person has an image of their upcoming birth in mind and then the actual birth scenario turns out to be completely different, unwanted, scary, unexpected. Sometimes, variation in labors and births are unexpected but not necessarily all bad. Sometimes, they can be not what was anticipated at all and adjustments need to be made.
Supplies: Numerous bottles of nail polish in a variety of bright, neutral, sparkly, dark, light colors. At least enough for each person in the class.
Basket
Instructions:
- Introduce the activity — "Everyone will be given a pedicure after the birth of your baby! Choose the color you would want to help you celebrate this happy occasion."
- Pass the basket around the room allowing each person to choose their favorite color.
- Ask them to look at her color, enjoy it, envision it on their toes.
- Now, announce that they have to pass their polish to the person to their left (or right, or just trade).
Talking Points:
Ask the class to raise their hands if:
- They received a color very similar to the original one they chose.
- They received a color very different from the original one they chose.
- Whether they liked the new color, so it doesn't matter.
- Strongly disliked the new color; this is something they never would have chosen for themselves.
Reference: NC Perinatal Association Training Seminar teaching demonstration. Adapted from the Lamaze Toolkit.
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