Curriculum Topic: Teaching Strategy
Activity Type: Postpartum, Healthy Birth Practice 6
Supplies: Variety throughout class series
Instructions:
Class 1 – When discussing the benefits of exercise and relaxation during pregnancy, mention the benefits of both during the postpartum period. Emphasize the importance of good communication between partners as they both face postpartum adaptations. When discussing sexuality, include the postpartum period.
Class 2 – When discussing nutrition, mention that a healthy diet is recommended for all new mothers. Sensible dietary plans, regular exercise, and breastfeeding will help new mothers shed any excess weight gained during pregnancy.
Class 3 – When practicing massage, discuss the benefits of massage for the newborn (and all family members!). After watching a birth video or slide set, mention the postpartum feelings of relief and joy.
Class 4 – Remember to discuss stage III after presenting stage II. Describe the appearance of the baby at birth and explain the Apgar score. Emphasize the importance of immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, and the marvelous interaction which occurs between newborns and parents immediately after birth. Discuss the positive effects of mother and baby remaining together and rooming-in.
Class 5 – When discussing interventions and medications, mention possible effects on postpartum recovery.
Class 6 – Even if your students have access to baby care and breastfeeding classes, it is helpful to spend a little time on the newborn and early breastfeeding. Become familiar with the book, Your Amazing Newborn, by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus. Share with your students the ways in which a newborn can interact with his parents from the moment of birth. Show the DVD, Amazing Talents of the Newborn. This inexpensive video captures beautifully the amazing capabilities of the newborn, and the fascinating interactions between newborns and parents.
Modifications:
Role-Modeling: Wear a sling with a newborn baby doll in the sling to class. Treat the baby doll as if she or he were a real baby. This will lead to a discussion of the benefits of “wearing” your baby.
Reunion Class: One of the most effective ways to present postpartum (and breastfeeding) is to invite a reunion class from a previous series to come to the final class of your new series. The reunion couples can tell their birth stories and share insights about the postpartum period with the still-pregnant students. Allow about an hour for the reunion couples to tell their stories, then break for a celebration snack. Ask the reunion couples (ahead of time) to leave after the break. Sometimes it’s hard to get them out the door; they are so excited to see former classmates. Then allow time to discuss the birth stories and comments. This is a wonderful way to demonstrate the variety of possible birth experiences; to have your class hear about postpartum from other couples who have just experienced it; and to attend reunions without having to give up valuable personal time.
Reference: Adapted from the Lamaze Toolkit
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