Tag: resources for perinatal education

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Teaching about pregnancy anatomy

Teaching about pregnancy anatomy in an antenatal setting. One of the first topics I cover during my childbirth preparation classes is “pregnancy vocabulary”.

Pregnancy vocabulary

During an in-person group setting, I often split up the group into two “teams”. Each team will have an A2 poster of either the pre-pregnancy cross section or the pregnant cross-section body and body part labels such as “coccyx”, “uterus/womb”, “sacrum”, “vagina”, “cervix” etc… I explain that these words they are likely to hear during their journey into parenthood and that we will be referring to some of them during the rest of the course. I give them 5-10 minutes to add the labels to their poster (i use laminated cards with blu tack or similar on my PVC posters).

Cross section pregnant woman

You can download the body part labels for free here:

Body Part labelsDownload

Pregnancy anatomy changes

Once they are done, we bring the group back together, including their posters and we have a look and compare the pregnancy anatomy images. We have a discussion about common pregnancy discomforts, where they are coming from and how to avoid or minimize them.

During a 1:1 in-person setting, I use either both posters together or my new pregnancy anatomy comparison poster, where all three images are on one poster.

During an online setting I use my pregnancy vocabulary animated slide which is part of my Antenatal Course PowerPoint Slides.

Pregnancy Vocabulary and anatomy PowerPoint Slide

The image above is also part of my antenatal class journals, which I give out in class. I have recently created a downloadable worksheet on that topic, too. Recently, I found that parents-to-be like to take home paper handouts again. They especially rate my worksheets where they are encouraged to colour-in images and take notes. All these things help them focus and retain the information.

Antenatal Class Journal - Booklet for parents-to-be

Pre-pregnancy vs pregnant body comparison worksheets

I have not had an opportunity to use my new pre-pregnancy vs pregnant body worksheets yet, but I am certainly looking forward to using these beauties! They are available in three skin tones as well as the colouring in version. With and without annotations or lines. So they’d work as handouts, too! I am really excited about these!

These printable pregnancy anatomy handouts are now also available from my TpT store and are included in my BARGAIN growing bundle!

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Teaching about induction

Teaching about augmentation and induction of labour as part of childbirth education classes has become an essential topic. Expectant parents need to know the pros and cons, different options and reasons for the recommended induction of labour.

In my opinion, teaching about induction and augmentation of labour means to explore:

  • Common reasons for the recommendation, and why the recommendations are made, how important the reason is, what evidence there is to support the recommendation
  • Different options of for induction and augmentation, i.e. membrane sweep, drip, etc
  • Timeline of induction and augmentation of labour – what may be offered when and why
  • Options of “self-induction” – how can we encourage labour to start on its own?
  • Reputable sources of information to support informed decision-making (some are listed below)
  • Their Birthrights (Human Rights in Childbirth)
  • How to feel empowered once/if they’ve agreed to an induction (support, informed decision making, best for them and their baby in their individual situation…)
  • How to adapt their birth plan

Teaching about induction and augmentation of labour ideas

Discussion

Have a discussion in class about reasons, ways and pros and cons of inducing labour. My induction discussion prompt cards are a visual way to encourage expectant parents to discuss the topic. They are also available as ready printed version and both versions include full instructions including links and references.

Induction of labour - pdf
induction of labour cards

Timeline

Explore what methods of induction and augmentation may be offered/happening when, using one of my labour timeline banners.

timeline banner - induction and augmentation of labour

Informed Decision Making Game

One of my personal favourites is an informed decision making scenario game. This also works for teaching about induction and augmentation of labour! The way it works is that you start off with one scenario and give two or more options. Let participants choose one of the options. Each option/choice develops the story further. You’ll get different outcomes when making different choices. Some are choices others are chance as you roll a die or two. This is a fun way to explore how different choices may impact your birth experience. This game works in a in-person class, virtual class as well as for homework.

informed decision-making games for perinatal education
informed decision-making games for perinatal education

I also offer workshops on how to write and build your own interactive informed decision making game!

Teaching about induction of labour using visuals

To help include all different learning styles and your clients’ preferences use a mixture of visuals, taktile interactions as well as the written word! I have a range of visual learning aids ready printed as well as digital downloads available from my shop.

Posters

Childbirth Interventions Posters

I like to use posters and hang them up on the wall or in the windows during sessions. Posters support the information and retention during the course. I have created these beautiful posters on “self-induction” called “How to encourage childbirth/labour to start”. They are a very recent (2023) addition to my shop and classes and are very positively received by clients as well as birth workers!

teaching about induction of labour

Workbooks/Journals/Worksheets

I also provide my clients with a journal/workbook the workbook includes images and information about childbirth and infant feeding. They can take it home and recap and/or take notes during the workshop.

Antenatal Class Journal - Booklet for parents-to-be

I can also create personalised workbooks, activities, posters and powerpoints for you to fit your branding and content preferences. Please get in touch!

Sources and further reading: