Childbirth Education Curriculum This curriculum is designed to be taught in a small to medium group setting (min. 3 and max 12 people) in nine classes. Having enough people is important to help conversation to flow well and to allow for group activities during class, but having too many would make me nervous and make it feel too formal. Each class should run between 1 hr and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes long. These classes can be run every day over the course of 5 days if two classes are taught each day. Alternatively, they could run once a week over the course of 9 weeks. I would choose based on my audience. The total time it should take to teach this course could range between 14 hours and 25 minutes to 18 hours, depending on break times, discussion, etc. Since I live in a multicultural area, I am surrounded by people of various ethnicities, vocations, economic statuses, and religions. This is the demographic that I will most likely teach. They may be married or unmarried. I would encourage husbands/partners to attend as well. I want the environment to be warm, inviting, and professional. The classes would take place in my home or in a room at a community center or pregnancy care center. My goals for this course include the following: ● to educate women (and their partners if they attend as well) regarding major topics within pregnancy, labor and birth, breastfeeding, postpartum, and the newborn stages ● to equip them with the necessary knowledge of these topics so that they can come away feeling encouraged, confident, and excited about these changes rather than fearful of what they might bring ● to help women understand what is going on in their bodies during this time, trust that the process of pregnancy, birth, and beyond was
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Childbirth Education Curriculum
This curriculum is designed to be taught in a small to medium group setting (min. 3 and max 12 people) in nine classes. Having enough people is important to help conversation to flow well and to allow for group activities during class, but having too many would make me nervous and make it feel too formal. Each class should run between 1 hr and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes long. These classes can be run every day over the course of 5 days if two classes are taught each day. Alternatively, they could run once a week over the course of 9 weeks. I would choose based on my audience. The total time it should take to teach this course could range between 14 hours and 25 minutes to 18 hours, depending on break times, discussion, etc. Since I live in a multicultural area, I am surrounded by people of various ethnicities, vocations, economic statuses, and religions. This is the demographic that I will most likely teach. They may be married or unmarried. I would encourage husbands/partners to attend as well. I want the environment to be warm, inviting, and professional. The classes would take place in my home or in a room at a community center or pregnancy care center.
My goals for this course include the following:
● to educate women (and their partners if they attend as well) regarding major topics within pregnancy, labor and birth, breastfeeding, postpartum, and the newborn stages
● to equip them with the necessary knowledge of these topics so that they can come away feeling encouraged, confident, and excited about these changes rather than fearful of what they might bring
● to help women understand what is going on in their bodies during this time, trust that the process of pregnancy, birth, and beyond was
Basic Course Outline
First lesson: Beginnings
Introductions (15 minutes)
Birth stories-activity (45 minutes)
The impact of fear in pregnancy and birth philosophies- lecture, video, and
discussion (45 minutes)
Second lesson: First Trimester
Understanding Conception- In the Beginning slideshow, lecture, and
discussion (30 minutes)
Understanding the Placenta- video and discussion (30 minutes)
Pregnancy Anatomy and Physiology/Maternal Development- discuss
picture, video, handout activity (45 minutes)
Third Lesson: First Trimester, cont.
Fetal Development- video, picture/handout, activity (fetus models), and
specially designed by an all-wise Creator, and believe that they can do this
● to welcome and show love to those who attend, no matter who they believe or what their background is
● to present evidence-based information in a clear, engaging, and understandable way that encourages dialogue and supports women in their decisions
Normal Newborn Development- lecture, infographic, discussion (60
minutes)
First Lesson: Beginnings, Fear, and Birth Philosophy Class length: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
At the beginning, I would hand out a notebook to each woman for her to take
notes.
Introductions (15 minutes)
Go around the room, each participant introduces self, and offers a fun fact about
Birth stories- Activity (30 minutes)
Break- 15 minutes
The impact of fear in pregnancy and birth philosophies- lecture (10 minutes),
video (20 minutes), and discussion (15 minutes)
herself.
This will help release tension and allow the women to become acquainted.
Go around the room and share birth stories/experiences of birth. Ask questions such as the following: “How has your experience of birth shaped your understanding/view of birth (birth perspective)?”; “What are you hoping to gain by attending these classes?”
This activity will help to further comradery and understanding among participants. Hearing birth stories is a good way to develop one’s own birth philosophy. Plus, it is usually very fun!
Lecture: “The Impact of Fear in Pregnancy” power point file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/The%20Impact%20of%20Fear%20in%20Pregnancy.pdf Video: Reducing fear of birth in U.S. culture: Ina May Gaskin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9LO1Vb54yk Sourced handout: https://transitiontoparenthood.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/tracking-your-tigers.pdf
Objective: to inform women that fear does not have to characterize their pregnancies. Although uncertainties will always be present, they can become confident in their ability to mother their baby and in the beauty and wisdom of God’s design for pregnancy and birth.
Second Lesson: First Trimester Class length: 2 hours and 5 minutes
At the beginning of this class, I would handout the anatomy and physiology worksheets found on pages 3 and 4 of the following document: file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Handouts%20for%20Childbirth%20Education_%20Week%204%20(1).pdf I would also handout the document about the placenta: file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/The%20Placenta_%20Its%20Design%20and%20Function.pdf
Understanding the Reproductive Cycle- Lecture/powerpoint and discussion (30 minutes)
Understanding Conception- slideshow/lecture, and discussion (30 minutes)
Lecture: Show and teach “Understanding the Reproductive Cycle” powerpoint (20 minutes) file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Understanding%20the%20Reproductive%20Cycle%20(Anatomy%20and%20Physiology%20Assignment%209)%20(1).pdf Discuss any questions they may have (10 minutes)
Objective: Many women do not know about how their bodies work with regards to cycles and reproduction. The objective is to make them aware and to help them grasp this information better.
Lecture: Show and teach “In the Beginning” power point (20 minutes) file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/In%20the%20Beginning.pdf Discuss any questions they may have (10 minutes)
Break- 15 minutes
Pregnancy Anatomy and Physiology/Maternal Development- discuss picture
Understanding the Placenta- video (10 minutes), handout, and discussion (10
minutes) Total: 20 minutes
Objective: to give women a better understanding of their bodies and conception
Show the following picture and discuss features and differences. file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Anatomy_%20Pregnant%20vs.%20Not%20Pregnant.pdf Watch the following video about maternal physiology: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0sp7I9rlz8 Answer any questions Activity: Anatomy handout
To give better understanding of what goes on internally and externally during pregnancy
Show and discuss the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbextFwqnY4
The objective is to inform about the placenta, its function, and help women understand the importance of doing things to allow sufficient oxygen and nutrients to go to the baby through the placenta.
Third Lesson: First Trimester, cont. Class Length: 2 hours
At the beginning of this lesson, I will hand out the fetal models for the women to
examine and pass around. I will also have my smoothie ingredients (coconut
water, lemon, ginger, avocado, banana, berries, flax, and greens) assembled and
prepared for the activity. During each part of the lesson, I will hand out the
appropriate papers.
Fetal Development- video (11 minutes), picture/handout, activity (fetus models),
and discussion (25 minutes) Total: 36 minutes
Nutritional needs- slideshow/ lecture (20 minutes), activity (smoothie) and
handout (20 minutes) Total: 40 minutes
Watch video about fetal development (start video at 29 seconds) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VktZZEeGdSs Discuss video and pass out handout: file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Fetal%20Development%20Pictures_Handout%20.pdf
Show and teach powerpoint “Nutrition in Early Pregnancy” file:///C:/Users/shann/Pictures/Nutrition%20in%20Early%20Pregnancy_How%20it%20Helps%20You%20and%20Your%20Baby%20Prenatal%20Assignment%209.pdf Activity: Pass out take-home smoothie recipe. Make smoothie together and discuss the nutritional elements (carbohydrates, healthy fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals) that are in the smoothie and contribute to a healthy pregnancy. Smoothies are an easy way to consume large quantities of nutrients quickly, especially when you don’t feel like chewing a salad. Handouts:
Common discomforts during pregnancy and remedies- handout, video, and
discussion (15 minutes); video activity (stretches-involving partners) (20 minutes)
Total: 35 minutes
Baby and Body Builder Smoothie Recipe- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/The%20Baby%20and%20Body%20Builder.pdf Pregnancy Nutrition Game, pg. 1,2- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Handouts%20for%20Childbirth%20Education_%20Week%204%20(1).pdf Building a Pregnancy Diet- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Building%20a%20Pregnancy%20Diet.pdf Take Home Nutrition Diary- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Nutritional%20Diary%20(1).pdf
Interactive session! Discuss common discomforts, ask questions, pass around handout, talk about solutions presented in handout. Could they be helpful for you? Why or why not? Handout: file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Common%20Discomforts%20During%20Pregnancy.pdf Watch the following video for another teaching angle: (3 minutes)
Warning signs in pregnancy- handout/lecture (15 minutes), discussion (5
minutes)
Fourth Lesson: Second Trimester Class Length: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Birth locations (home, hospital, and birth center) and choosing the birth team-
handouts, take home resources, and discussion Total: 20 minutes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqzwcut862U Activity: Learn pregnancy stretches to help alleviate discomfort and optimize flexibility and strength. Participate while we watch this video: (20 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCeCCeZYVqI
My Handout: file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Pregnancy%20Warning%20Signs%20and%20Indications%20(CBE%20Assignment%207).pdf
Sourced handouts: Where to have my baby? http://motherfriendly.org/resources/Documents/Having%20a%20Baby--Ten%20Questions%20to%20Ask%20(2015).pdf Choosing a caregiver https://transitiontoparenthood.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/caregiver.pdf Homebirth pros and cons https://www.cwhn.ca/en/print/yourhealth/faqs/homebirth https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/home-birth Choice of birth place https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/sites/default/files/CPG%20supplemental%20r
The goal with giving the women resources to take home or to look up at home is that I want them to have documents they can read and think over for a longer period of time than just at my class.
Lecture and Q&A: What is a doula? Aren’t they redundant if I have my… with
me? What do they do? Are they paid for by my insurance? etc.
This will help to inform women about the importance of establishing a good support system both during pregnancy and birth, whether or not she chooses to have a doula.
Watch the following videos: Penny Simkin Breathing Techniques- (7 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo4VmgpHmxs Pain vs. Suffering in Labor- (4 minutes) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlj9ehB-hLc Let’s implement these techniques: Practice breathing, moving according to the 3 Rs Ice cube challenge- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Handouts%20for%20Childbirth%20Educatio
Herbs for pregnancy and birth- video (10 minutes), activity (make postpartum
herbal bath kit) (30 minutes) Total: 40 minutes
n_%20Week%204%20(1).pdf
Objective: to help women become more aware of how their bodies work in relation to pain and what they can do to cope with it
Watch the following video about the importance of movement/exercise during pregnancy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjFoD5gRbT8 Find movements recommended by spinning babies for the specific weeks that each of the women are at. Practice them. https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/pregnancy-week-by-week/second-trimester/
Safe herbs for the second and third trimester: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcAs0hUHCJM Recipe starts at 2 minutes and 36 seconds (10 minutes)
Sixth Lesson: Third Trimester Class Length: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Constructing the birth plan- lecture/brief discussion, activity, handout (to be
filled
out at home) (15 minutes)
Fetal Wellbeing and Fetal Kick Counts- Lecture, handout, and discussion (30
minutes)
Break-15 minutes
Discussion on birth plan: importance, flexibility, understanding priorities My Handout: Birth plan- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Birth%20Plan%20(CBE%20Assignment%207).pdf
Pass out your handout and the sourced handout. Read through them both and discuss. My handout: file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Your%20Baby’s%20Movements%20in%20the%20Third%20Trimester%20and%20the%20Fetal%20Kick%20Count.pdf Work through the following worksheet with the women. Sourced handout: Alberta’s document on fetal kit counts and well being. It includes a chart to track the baby’s movements. https://albertahealthservices.ca/frm-20589.pdf
Physiology and Stages of Labor- Slideshow (which includes videos and an
activity)(45 minutes), discussion (15 minutes)
Seventh Lesson: Third Trimester, cont.
Class Length: 2 hours
Supplies needed: rebozo/sheet (enough for class members), access to water,
cold/hot pack, tennis ball, essential oils, ability to dim lights in room; helpful
positions handout
Helpful Positions during third trimester and labor- lecture, handout, (15
Objective: to teach women about the labor process, how it begins, how it progresses, the baby’s cardinal movements, signs that labor has begun, etc. so that they will be more confident in their ability to go through it and birth their babies.
Objective: to help the women become acquainted with beneficial positions to use both during the third trimester (to help baby stay in correct position) and during labor (to ease pain and discomfort and aid in baby’s correct positioning
Comfort/Relaxation Measures- lecture and discussion, handout/visual aid,
activity (45 minutes)
Interventions during labor and Informed Consent- lecture and discussion,
Handout, video (45 minutes)
Eighth Lesson: Postpartum and Newborn
Class Length: 2 hours
and descent).
Teach through this lecture/handout and do the activity detailed at the end (practise comfort measures and movements) My handout- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/How%20Position,%20Movement,%20and%20Comfort%20Measures%20Ease%20and%20Advance%20the%20Stages%20of%20Labor%20(CBE%20Assignment%206)%20(1).pdf
Objective: similar to above. These two can be combined into one lesson and activity
Teach and discuss the pros and cons of common interventions during labor, the cascade of interventions, and informed consent: My handout- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Common%20Interventions%20During%20Labor.pdf Sourced document- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Epidural%20Anesthesia%20(Sourced%20document).pdf
Supplies needed: my postpartum handout, Penny Simkin recovery handout,
supplies for padsicles (maxi pads (4 for each woman), witch hazel, aloe, healing
herbs-thyme, goldenseal, lavender, rosemary, calendula and comfrey), spray
bottle, baggie for freezing, recipe handout.
Postpartum Physiology: What is Normal and What Isn’t- Lecture, handout,
(30 minutes)
discussion (15 minutes) Total: 45 minutes
Break- 15 minutes
Healing from Birth- Lecture/handout and discussion (30 minutes, activity
(padsicles)(30
minutes Total: 1 hour
Teach this handout, then share it with women so they can take it home for further reference: My handout: file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Changes%20During%20the%20Fourth%20Stage%20of%20Labor.pdf
Teach and go through Penny Simkin’s handout regarding recovery after childbirth: file:///C:/Users/shann/AppData/Local/Packages/Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe/TempState/Downloads/Factors%20That%20Influence%20Postpartum%20Recovery%20(2).pdf Activity: Make padsicles in preparation for postpartum recovery: Recipe- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Postpartum%20Herbal%20Padsicles.pdf
Objective: to teach mothers what activities or attitudes hinder or help recovery after childbirth
Ninth Lesson: Postpartum and Newborn cont.
Class Length: 2 hours
Supplies needed: pack of newborn sized diapers, breastfeeding handout,
newborn development document, dolls (with diapers, clothes, blankets, etc.), and
methods of birth control handout
Breastfeeding Basics and nutrition- lecture and discussion (15 minutes), video
Normal Newborn Development- lecture, discussion, activity (game- learning to
change diapers on dolls-race) (30 minutes)
Teach/go through the following handout together and discuss any questions that arise: Breastfeeding Basics- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Breastfeeding%20Basics%20(CBE%20Assignment%208).pdf Early Initiation of Breastfeeding, Bonding, Skin to Skin- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMcgJR8ESRc&list=PLxVdpaMfvxLCDSNEgM2QcN5pAc-LraJgL (10 minutes) Proper Latching- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjt-Ashodw8&list=PLxVdpaMfvxLCDSNEgM2QcN5pAc-LraJgL&index=3 (10 minutes) Activity: practice different breastfeeding holds with dolls
Objective: to help mothers become more confident with the idea breastfeeding
Family Planning and Contraception- Lecture/handout (20 minutes)
Normal Newborn Development- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Normal%20Newborn%20Development%20(CBE%20Assignment%208).pdf Activity: Play a diaper changing game on dolls (Dads can be included in this one!). Begin racing once they get the hang of it. The winner gets a pack of free (bought by myself) newborn diapers.
Objective: to teach mothers what is normal and what to look out for in their babies during the first couple months outside the womb.
Teach on the different forms of family planning and birth control (pros and cons)
Objective: to inform and help those who wish to use a form of family planning/birth control to space out their children or not become pregnant again
Original Handouts
Changes during the fourth stage of labor/postpartum period (includes some warning signs)- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Changes%20During%20the%20Fourth%20Stage%20of%20Labor.pdf Normal Newborn Development- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Normal%20Newborn%20Development%20(CBE%20Assignment%208).pdf Common Interventions in labor and Cascade of Interventions- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Common%20Interventions%20During%20Labor.pdf Forms of family planning and birth control (including pros and cons)-
file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/How%20Position,%20Movement,%20and%20Comfort%20Measures%20Ease%20and%20Advance%20the%20Stages%20of%20Labor%20(CBE%20Assignment%206)%20(1).pdf Helpful positions/movements during pregnancy and labor- file:///C:/Users/shann/Downloads/Childbirth%20Education%20Files/Positions%20to%20Ease%20and%20Advance%20Labor%20(CBE%20Assignment%206).pdf Fetal Wellbeing and Kick Counts-
Family Care Midwives- This team of 13 midwives provide typical midwifery care during pregnancy, labor at home or the hospital, birth, and up to six weeks postpartum. They provide extensive support with 30 to 60 minute appointments, natural labor, skin to skin care, and breastfeeding. They are also trained in emergency skills. 9983 Keele St., Unit 102, Vaughan ON, L6A 3Y5 (905 553-5899)
https://familycaremidwives.ca/
West End Midwives-
This group of 20 midwives provide midwifery care during pregnancy, labor and
birth at home or at the hospital, and during the first 6 weeks postpartum. Like the
group of midwives listed above, they believe in the natural process of birth and
provide extensive support with 30 to 60 minute appointments, natural labor, skin
to skin care, and breastfeeding. They are also trained in emergency skills.
102-1017 Wilson Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M3K-1Z1 (416- 792-5665)
https://www.westendmidwives.ca/
Midwifery Care North Don River Valley-
The over 12 midwives who work at this midwifery clinic focus on providing safe
and respectful care to women in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area). They believe
strongly in the natural process of pregnancy and birth and attend nearly 500
home or hospital births every year. They provide the same specific services as the
midwives above. They too are well trained to handle any emergency should it
arise.
Unit 109 200 Finch Avenue W, North York, ON (416- 222-0093)
https://www.midwiferycare-ndrv.com/
OBGYNs:
Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass-
OB/GYN who specializes in helping women with early pregnancy complications
and loss and increasing access to trial of labor after C-section (VBAC). Also
provides gynecological care.
4001 Leslie Street Toronto,ON,Canada- North York General Hospital
(416-756-6000) and 5 Fairview Mall Drive, North York, ON M2J 2Z1-
Gynecological clinic (416- 497-4999)
Dr. Rebecca Cash-
Specializes in high risk pregnancies (pregnancy disorders, miscarriages, multiple
gestation, ovarian cysts, hypertension, endometriosis, women's health &
abnormal bleeding) and works out of a clinic and local hospital.
8077 Islington Avenue, Suite 207, Woodbridge, Vaughan, ON L4L7X7
(905-850-0004)
Dr. Esti Friedman-
OB/GYN works in both a clinical and hospital setting serving women dealing with
pregnancy, labor and delivery, and gynecological problems. Also works as a
gynecological surgeon.
110 Queens Plate Dr, Etobicoke, M9W 0B4 (416-741-5094)-Private practice
100 Humber College Boulevard, Etobicoke, ON M9V 5G4 (416- 741-5094)-
Etobicoke General Hospital
Pediatrician:
Clairhurst Pediatrics -
Specialize in general pediatrics, pediatric respirology, pediatric allergy &
immunology, and pediatric neurology. They provide care in both walk-in
and private appointment settings and are covered by the province’s
insurance policy.
1466 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5R 3J3 (416-531-3331)
https://clairhurstpediatrics.ca/
Vaughan Pediatric Clinic -
Provides a full range of pediatric care, including pediatric consultations with
referral from family doctor, well-baby care, annual physical exams,
immunizations, and circumcisions, x-ray, ultrasound, physiotherapy,
laboratory and pharmacy services. They work closely with SickKids
Hospital in downtown Toronto and local hospitals to ensure that every
child receives optimal care. They provide educational links and resources to
parents, and their services are also covered by OHIP.
8333 Weston Road, Suite 310, Woodbridge ON L4L 8E2 (905-850-3250)
http://vaughanpeds.ca/
Doulas:
The 6 doulas at Graceful Birth Doula Services offer a range of services
including placenta encapsulation, night doula/nanny, doula support during
the labor and postpartum periods, virtual Hypnobirthing classes, online
workshops and lactation assistance. They attend births all over the GTA
and at locations including the following: Credit Valley Hospital, Oakville
Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, Trillium Health Partners, Milton District
Hospital, William Osler Hospital (Brampton Civic and Etobicoke General
Hospital), Humber River Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, St. Joseph's
Hospital, St. Michael's Hospital and the Toronto Birth Centre.