Curriculum Topic: Student Demonstration, Practice
Activity Type: Healthy Birth Practice 1, Anatomy, Pregnancy
Supplies: Things are symbolic of a bed, desk, chair, sofa, or car
Instructions:
Ask a pregnant woman to demonstrate proper body mechanics, with coaching from instructor or partner. Have small groups role-play correctly getting into and out of a car or a bed, working at a desk, or other daily activities, such as:
Up from bed: From a side-lying position, push up with arms to sitting while bringing feet to the floor. Hesitate before arising.
At a desk: Use lumbar support for the back, and a stool for the feet, to keep the knees slightly higher than the hips.
Up from a low chair or sofa: Use two movements. Scoot hips to edge of seat; placing one foot slightly forward of the other, stand using thigh muscles. Do not lunge forward, which could stress the back.
In and out of a car: Use two movements. Sit, facing out with feet on ground, then turn body and bring feet into the car without twisting the back. Reverse for getting out of the car.
Set-Up:
Stage areas to fit items that symbolize a bed, desk, chair, sofa, or car
Talking Points:
Knowing proper body mechanics is important to help avoid injury due to loose joints and ligaments from increased relaxin production.
Reference: Adapted from the Lamaze Toolkit
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