Discussion Starters

Skills for Childbirth Educators

Some classes are very talkative, other classes won't even breath loudly. Here are some ideas to help you start discussions during your classes.

Change The Rules

Challenge your students to consider a situation from a different angle. For example:

Tell the class that for tonight we are going to assume the rules of the hospital have been changed, and now only women who are experiencing medical complications may have medication during labor.

Explain that there will need to be some changes in society's beliefs about labor and birth because of this change in rules. Ask them what some of these changes might be. Some examples are:

• An unmedicated birth is normal and expected.
• Learning labor coping strategies is necessary, not optional.
• Interventions that increase pain should be avoided unless there is an emergency.

This activity can easily move into a discussion about birth planning, history of childbirth, society's beliefs about birth, methods of preparation or choosing your health care providers.

Why this works:
Some cultural beliefs about childbirth are so ingrained into society we don't even realize there are other ways to look at the situation. Change the rules causes you to explore these beliefs, and how they impact the birth experience.

No Rules

Ask the class participants to describe what their ideal birth experience would be if there were no rules. They could be anywhere, do anything and have anyone with them. Use this as an opener for birth planning or comfort measures.

Why this works:
No rules allows participants to explore what they really need to be comfortable and relaxed during labor. It also allows them to recognize what they are afraid might happen without being asked "What are you afraid of?" Expect some level of conversation after each participant shares as couples ask questions or encourage each other through their responses.

Birth in Art

Provide pictures of several artworks depicting labor or childbirth. Try to provide a variety of art forms and styles. Ask the students to describe how pregnancy, motherhood, childbirth and labor are portrayed and how the artwork affects their thinking about giving birth.

Why this works:
Art has the power to prompt strong responses in individuals and groups. These responses are based on our own understanding of the topic of the art. Students who may not feel comfortable verbalizing concerns they feel about labor may be able to share that a particular piece of art makes them scared about the pain of labor.

You May Also Be Interested In: The Coach's Notebook explains a variety of comfort measures and techniques for childbirth. The Christian Childbirth Resource Directory lists websites, books and organizations all created to help you honor God through childbirth. Birthing Naturally Books publishes books to help you grow closer to God during this special time of life. Find childbirth professionals near you in the Natural Childbirth Directory.

© Copyright 2000-2007 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

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