Hi there I really appreciate this list .I learn so much from all of you and the discussions here also makes me think wider.I started last year with an early bird class at 6-10 weeks pregnant following it up with another class at 14 -16 weeks.This was not well attended ,there was 6 couples in my first early class and 8 in the 2nd trimester.What I wanted to share here is that I totally agree with Andrea the choice of caregivers makes the difference.In this classes because of info that I gave and discussion under parents to be as well as the opportunity to give info to the clients they could ask caregivers some questions and get answers 3 of the initial 6 changed caregivers not because of me but because of a) Dr wont let them go past 40 weeks induce on edd, b)not performing waterbirths and c)doing routine episiotomies. First of all me as the CBE experience anxiety that they might not get what they want and they might regret the change ,after some introspection I believed and realized that it is not me that told them to change,I am not responsible for the outcome of their birth and I didn't influence or tell them to change I merely gave them research based info and they made a informed choice. This was the best class I ever had so far. When they started with their class at 28 weeks I teach a 12 week class 6 on pregnancy and labor and 6 on post partum and baby care (couple classes) they were such a jelled group already In this class I had 16 couples although only 6 of them was at the first class and 8 in the second the other never had contact with each other beforehand.What I experienced is that the couples who came to the first classes had easier births all 8 of them got exactly what they wanted and was cruising thru postpartum.The others was drawn into the group so quickly by this 8 couples except for one couple who didn't really appreciate and fit into the group The group as a whole functioned as a support for each other .It was awesome to see the group dynamics and how they really supported each other. When one of them went into labor everyone were in contact with each other and helped the partner with whatever e.g. meals errands.All of them visit each other while they were still in hospital and when discharged they use to take turns on helping with meals for the first 18 days at home. Being in hospital visiting each other they also started to know the staff and everybody was sad as the last one birthed even the staff 17 of them breastfed except for one who didn't want to from the start she had breast and couldn't be convinced.One had a colicky baby one who didn't become part of the group although after the birth is still part of the group The last one had here baby on Sept 11 and up to know they are still group breastfeeding and going out for supper on the first Friday of every month. I am at the moment busy with another group like this we had 3rd class last night and the whole class was turned upside down because one of them has a sister who lost a baby at 38 weeks stillbirth and We could talk thru unexpected outcomes and afterwards they commented that they are so glad they could share and discussed this because they thought we don't talk about this I am so glad this discussion happened because this is still one of my problems to overcome and really discuss in the class I so much wish that we can get the couples earlier maybe someone on the list can give ideas how to market the class In South Africa we CBE are still the weird ones who make people breath funny and learn them to fight as well as you don't need to go for classes its money wasting.After that first early class I have had another 6 with no more than 3-4 couples.My peers say that I am wasting my time but after that first group taking them thru I am convinced that that is how my classes should operate.That was my vision fulfilled although so far it only happened once.I do see a lot of support and group dynamics in every group but nothing like that group Sorry its so long but thank you that I can vent and share Blessings Hettie South Africa ----- Original Message ----- From: Andrea Robertson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Ozmidwifery Mailing List <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2002 11:25 PM Subject: Re: fascinating moments in Childbirth Ed Class
> Hi Julie, > > Thanks for sharing this with us. I know that many midwives do feel helpless > about trying to work with these parents once they reach hospital... the > problem is that it is the choice of caregiver that makes the difference. > > I am convinced that the decisions about choice of caregiver and birth place > are the most important onces that parents will make in relation to the kind > of birth they will eventually experience. Perhaps the best thing we can do > as educators is to provide an opportunity for parents to really consider > these issues when they are making these decisions - i.e. in the early part > of their pregnancy. > > I have found that parents will book in early (for a class at around 12 > weeks) with the right publicity and it makes a huge difference to their > approach to pregnany and birth when they can tackle these issues (and other > such as choosing/using screening tests) early on. It takes time for parents > to consider and assimilate new approaches and for a shift in attitudes to > occur Parents also like the extended contact they have with their peers > from time to time over 6 months rather than 6 - 8 weeks and this on-going > support also helps to bolster their confidence. > > Congratulations on your handling of this very tricky topic - the > flexibility you have with your program and your undoubted skills in > facilitating group work are a wonderful resource for your clients. I wonder > if they know how lucky they are to have joined your program? > > Best wishes, > > Andrea > > > . -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
