Workshop Content

During the class we will cover all the topics typically covered in a childbirth preparation series.

The emphasis will be on: prioritizing which information to teach, researching evidence-based information about maternity care, practicing options for interactive teaching methods, use of audio -visual aids, and evaluation of students' learning.

Topics will include:

• Physiologic (normal and healthy) childbirth
• Conditioning exercises for pregnancy and post partum
• Relaxation techniques, breathing patterns, and other coping skills for labor and birth
• Variations, complications and interventions for labor and birth, including Cesarean birth and VBAC
• Dealing with unexpected outcomes
• Pain in childbirth and use of medications
• Development of a birth plan and fundamentals of informed consent
• Postpartum issues and newborn care
• Facilitating the teaching/learning process
• Planning a childbirth class series
• Development and use of audio-visual aids
• Use of role play, brainstorming, and other creative teaching strategies

Text and Syllabus

Participants taking the Great Starts Workshop receive a copy of the Parent Trust for Washington Children book "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn", and an extensive course syllabus including information on teaching techniques, and study guides.