Childbirth Education - Essay Example

?Childbirth Education Assignment  Purpose: To provide an opportunity to observe and critique a series of childbirth education es, to increase the students’ understanding of the issues and concerns of women in the last trimester of pregnancy and to evaluate the extent to which “best evidence” is both presented in childbirth classes and available to women from other sources.  Learning Activities:  1. Observe and participate if appropriate a full series of childbirth education classes (at least 8, preferably 12, hours of instruction). The classes may be held in a hospital, health care provider’s office or privately in a home or other location in the community. You can locate a childbirth class by calling your local hospital or birthing center, and by going to www.lamaze.org  2. Talk to at least one woman in the class (in person or by phone) about their perceptions of the class, and their feelings as the birth of their baby approaches. Talk to them after the birth of their baby, if possible, and have them share the story of their baby’s birth.  One of the most pinnacle points for a wife or for any female is giving child birth. Child birth is one of the most wonderful experiences that a female can ever experience in her life. Females tend to have different perceptions of child birth because of the prevalent ambiguities that are present due to social and physical factors. Majority of the women understand that childbirth is excruciating and painful. However, many women often feel that it symbolizes their womanhood and their strength. For most women, the attitudes towards childbirth seem to be a scary matter. One woman in the class discussed her fears as she stated, “Childbirth always scared me. To make matters worse, the whole idea of getting an epidural really scared me. I mean, the fact that a huge needle will be injected in my spine was really daunting. However, it was good to understand that it would have facilitated my childbirth and I was determined to use it only if I needed it. I also have bad feeling that I might have to undergo C-section. When it came to actually delivering the baby, I did not have time to take the epidural. However, the childbirth itself was painful.” Consequently, another female had a different opinion as she stated, “I had a very easy labor. The pain was bearable and I delivered without any complication. I was induced to take an epidural because everyone said it was going to be awful. I really wanted an unmedicated birth but I felt that I needed to take precautions with my first birth.” 3. Explore www.lamaze.org and find the content for pregnant women. Sign up for the week-by-week pregnancy emails and follow the Giving Birth with confidence blog. Compare what you are learning in class and observing in clinical with the content of on the website.  One of the most intriguing things that parents have to adapt is to a whole new lifestyle with a newborn. In essence, most parents have to be organized and be prepared for emergency. Moreover, most parents are unaware of the hygienic conditions that are associated with newborns. One of the key elements that adults take tend to engage in is being overprotective about their newborn. In essence, they are too quick to play “doctor” and diagnose with their baby with a mild cough. These aspects are related to the nurturing elements that are associated with parents. Another element that was associated with Giving Birth blog was the perceptions that were discussed in class and constraints that were linked to post conception. Undoubtedly it is vital that a woman will continue to have more children and her experiences with her previous childbirths shape her perceptions of reality. It is evident that most health educators take the issue of post birth very seriously and engrave these concepts in the minds of their students. Another element that was heavily discussed in class that was also prevalent in the blogs was the emotional mindset of the young mother about her physique. Post birth, many women tend to feel emotionally distressed because of the weight they acquired throughout their pregnancy which can be a negative impact in their physical and emotional health. However, with the new addition to the family, many females are overstressed because of the hectic schedules that is demanded from giving the proper attention and nurture to the child. As I read through the blogs, it was evident that many mothers felt that childbirth educators must do a better job about discussing the aspects of mental health. Women and couples can be more organized and be prepare to acknowledge the precursors that lead to depression post birth. If mental health can become a focus, it would supplement the true essence of parenting as women will not have to DSM-IV diagnosed. 4. Read Lamaze International’s 6 Healthy Birth Practice Papers (available at Lamaze.org). Think about the ways in which you are observing in classes reflects (or not) the positions taken by Lamaze and presented in these papers. Compare what you are seeing in clinical with what is being taught in classes.  The aspects that are elaborately discussed in birth practices truly reflect the material that was presented in class. First and foremost is the fact that labor should be induced naturally. Even with the practicality of modern medicine, it is essential to understand that labor is a natural aspect of childbirth. However if the fate of the women’s health is at risk, it is vital to undergo a cesarean. Changing positions through labor was another action that the teacher advised the students to take. Mobility at childbirth is vital because it allows the proper childbirth and ensures that the baby has the best chances of receiving oxygen. One of the trials that mothers are inflicted with is the fact that they must refute the urge to give birth on their back. At this point, positioning is necessary in order to ensure that the child does not get hurt as necessary protocols must be followed. Although physical support is necessary for mothers, emotional support should also be provided by bringing a love one for continuous support. The comfort that a loved one gives is crucial towards a successful childbirth. Moreover, it can really solidify the relationship between two individuals. Another key aspect that must not be forgotten is keeping the mother and baby together. This interpersonal relationship is crucial as the baby needs the mother for all their needs. 5. Visit www.childbirthconnection.org and read the Rights of childbearing Women and What Every Pregnant woman needs to know about Cesarean Section. Take a look at A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth paying particular attention to the synopsis and chapters 11, 29,30,32,45 and 46. In what ways, if any do the classes reflect this information? If the classes you are observing are being given in a hospital, how do the routines in the hospital compare to the practice recommendations in A Guide to Effective care in pregnancy and Childbirth?  Cesarean section is one of the most common procedures that are being conducted on pregnant women. Conducive research indicates that about 3 women out of 10 in American currently are influenced to give birth by c-section. Although this procedure is risky, it is vital to understand that it can be utilized in times of rare cases. Scholars tend to argue the fact and agree that much confusion can be dissolved if the benefits of a cesarean section can be explained. For most part, a c-section is recommended when an urgent health situations arise, which is what was discussed in class. For instance, if a mother is bleeding heavily or the baby is suffocating, a cesarean becomes vital. It is clear that vaginal birth would be the prominent choice unless certain circumstances dictate otherwise as 60 % percent of the women conceives through vaginal birth. It is clear that several medical, social, legal and financial factors effect c-section compared to vaginal birth. For instance, if the EFM indicates that baby’s heart beats are not in risk, then cesarean should be done. These notions were also discussed in class although the teachers insist that actions should be taken in a conservative matter. However in real world, the rise of complications influences doctors and surgeons to take innovative approach towards child birth. 6. Access the Cochrane Library through the library database. Read the systematic review of continuous support in labor and positions for second stage.  The enigmas and perplexities that are associated with labor and birth are intriguing to study. In many countries, more women are giving birth in hospitals rather than in their households. This has led to an increase in the mortality rate even in developing countries. This key factor has continued to have a positive impact in women’s childbirth experiences. Modern doctors insist that this has led to an easier process of labor for women due to the supportive care that has been implemented. From a historical perspective, women have been attended and supported by other women during childbirth. This support is vital because it tends to dehumanize the attitude of perception that a women possesses. Research indicates that labor support influences childbirth outcomes. Although medical interventions are vital, the companionship that individuals nurture can diminish the stress of giving birth in a daunting environment. During labor, women may feel intimidated and vulnerable, which can influence the actual childbirth. These factors must be considered and must be routinely analyze to effectively enhance the success of the morality rate of childbirth. When support is provided, women feel confident, secured, and diminish their chances of being depressed. 7. Compare what is being taught in the classes you are observing with what you are discovering is “best evidence” from the Cochrane Library, and the Lamaze International and Childbirth connection websites.  Guide for Observation and Evaluation of Classes Paper:  What are the teacher’s credentials? Where are the classes held? Describe the students in the class. List the topics covered and the approximate amount of time devoted in each class to each topic. Describe the interaction of the students and the teacher. What specific issues/concerns do the women (partners) in this class have? What specific issues and concerns did the woman you interviewed have? 15%  The teacher that taught the class was a PhD at pediatrics and had an experience of 2 years. She understood the importance of child birth as she is the head of her Department at Adventist GlenOaks Hospital. The classes were held at the hospital for the pregnant females that wanted to bridge the gap of perception between their perception and the actual reality. Topics varied but consisted of: the gravity of conducting cesarean section, childbirth pain, epidurals, support and care and post-delivery hygienic practices. For the most part, the married couples had a solid foundation of these topics. However, women were concerned about bridge baby procedures and the certain circumstances in which an epidural was hazardous to their health. Another key issue that was discussed was the nurturing of the children. Most adults are not very keen on their eating schedules and intake food based upon their psychological levels of hunger. However nutrition for newborn is a new and innovative concept that most adults are unaware of. Babies require constant nutrition as breast milk is crucial for the development for the newborns. Many women were puzzled about the concept of breast milk compared to regular baby powder which was explained in detail. The women I interviewed were just scared of the epidural injections because most individuals have phobias about needles. In addition, the daunting stress factor of delivering the baby in a chaotic environment is without a doubt a challenge. For most women, they did not want any harm done to the baby but were afraid of last minute complications that can occur. Many women have their birth planned out, but in actual reality are befuddle as they are actively going through the process. Did the classes present “best evidence”? Give specific examples of how each of the 6 Healthy Birth Practices were presented and discussed in the classes that you are observed: 40%  The six elements that are associated with six health birth practices consist of: Inducing Labor starts on its own , freedom of movement, continuous emotional and physical support, no routine interventions birth in a non-supine position and keeping mother and baby together. The first example consisted of the mentor showing a video of a natural labor as the water broke of the pregnant women. The procedure ensured that sanitized precautions should be taken during this procedure. The second example consisted of freedom of movement in which the doctors turned the women in a position so that she would not give birth in her back. The third element consisted of providing support by holding the hand of the women and telling her to push. In addition, the companion was encouraging the mother to breathe and relax. Lastly, keeping the mother and the baby together is a vital aspect because the relationship between the newborn and the mother are vital. What handouts, videos, visual aids, if any, did the teacher use? Were any of the handouts or visual aids produced by companies that market products to childbearing women? Did any of the information come from infant formula companies? Give specific examples. 10%  Most of the lecture was conducted based on collaboration. However, the teachers did use a Power point presentations and videos. In addition, many visual aids were presented in order to trigger the image sensory of individuals. Since childbirth is an issue that is heavily related based on perception and memory, it was essential to provide the students with the necessary visual aids to facilitate their understanding. The information presented was derived from scholars and doctors. Hence, no information was provided form infant formula companies in order to keep the subject matter purely objective. Lastly, information about facilities and the financial costs were also discussed thoroughly. Did the classes decrease women’s fear related to both pain and safety, and increase their confidence in their ability to give birth? What criteria did you use to make your evaluation? How did the teacher evaluate the learning in the class? Be specific 10%  Without a doubt, the class removed some of the concerns that the mothers had. In addition, the collaboration with the tutor also increased their confidence because of the new information they acquired. In essence, the mothers were more prepared for childbirth because of the education along with the perception that fueled their interest. The criterion that I utilized to evaluate was the fact that at the end of the class, the teacher conducted a short quiz to the open class. From my perspective, majority of the women got 8 out of the 10 questions right. In addition, I felt that the class understood the complex technical terms after the session ended. You are teaching a childbirth class and a woman tells you she is terrified of the pain of labor, and is considering having an elective cesarean to avoid labor. As the teacher what would you do to insure that she make a truly informed decision? What information is it important for this woman to know about the pain of labor, and about the safety of cesarean birth. What will she learn in your class to help her manage her labor? What materials would you use in your class to convey the information she needs to know, what materials would you provide for her to read, and what additional resources would you refer to? 25%  First and foremost, I would advise her that cesarean should be conducted if the baby’s health is at danger. Natural birth as mentioned above should be induced in any means unless other circumstances induce otherwise. One cannot avoid vaginal birth just to be afraid of the pain. Clearly, I would utilize lots of videos, brochures, and websites such as WebMD and Pubmed.com in order to educate her about the issue. Cesarean section should only be conducted if vaginal birth would put the fetus at risk. It is not something that should be pre-planned based upon fear. Managing labor requires breathing exercises, confidence, and patience. It also requires knowledge and changing perceptions based upon basis. Cesarean birth should be done through consultation of specialized doctors and surgeons who have conducted this procedure numerous times. Although it is the decision of the women ultimately, it should not be conducted without recognizing the proper circumstances associated with it. Works Cited Lamaze International: Promoting Natural, Safe and Healthy Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond. (n.d.). Lamaze International: Promoting Natural, Safe and Healthy Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond. Retrieved December 16, 2011, from http://www.lamaze.org/ Read, G., Wessel, H., & Ellis, H. F. (1972). Childbirth without fear; the original approach to natural childbirth. (New 4th ed., rev. and ed.). New York: Harper & Row. Medical Services in Glendale Heights, Illinois - AGH. (n.d.). Find a Hospital in the Chicago Area for Medical Treatment in Illinois. Retrieved December 16, 2011, from http://www.keepingyouwell.com/Default.aspx?alias=www.keepingyouw Giving birth by cesarean section | BabyCenter. (n.d.). BabyCenter | Homepage - Pregnancy, Baby, Toddler, Kids . Retrieved December 16, 2011, from http://www.babycenter.com/0_giving-birth-by-cesarean-section_160.bc Cesarean Procedure : American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Promoting Pregnancy Wellness : American Pregnancy Association. Retrieved December 16, 2011, from http://www.americanpregnancy.org/labornbirth/cesareanprocedure.html Read More