Having Fun Teaching!

Sorry I haven't been posting much. All of my spare computer time (in addition to sharing the computer with my daughter!) goes to preparations for my childbirth class. Once this series is finished I'll have all handouts and materials made. For future classes, I can just make copies and alter the course as I get feedback.

So how have these classes gone?

Class One: One of the moms came to me earlier that morning (we meet Sundays after the morning service and lunch). Her husband did NOT want to come. Near the beginning of the class, I had the moms explain to their husbands why it was important for them both to be there. By the end of the class, I overheard the reluctant husband enthusiastically saying, "see you next week" to the other dads! 5 out of 6 parents are Filipino but the English level seems pretty good, so no major problems there. So funny watching them try to figure out how the fetus doll fits through the pelvis. Moms were slightly embarrassed when we talked about perineal massage and kegels. Good thing the men weren't present for that part!

Class Two: Understanding Labor. They were shocked at the sounds women make during labor. Really liked the birth video clips. Answered lots of questions.

Class Three: They were all really involved, especially trying out different labor and pushing positions. I videotaped that class. A little un-nerving to do that but I'm already a teacher anyway so not too nervous. All of the couples at this point seem to really enjoy each other's company and aren't embarrassed talking about things in front of each other.

Took 2 weeks off. Dayton was out of town for one weekend, and 2 out of 3 couples were sick for the next. Can't miss anymore though because 2 of the 3 moms are due 2 weeks after the last class!!!

Class Four: Teaching about interventions seemed to scare them a little bit. Especially because most of them are using assembly-line like Thai gov't hospitals. We talked about evidence-based information and how to make it work for them. I'm a little scared for them... In this culture, you never question a doctor about anything. I've taught them how to ask open-ended questions so that they'll know what their doctor will probably try to do. We had a mock induction. They were amazed at the cascade of interventions.

Class Five: Next week we'll be talking about Cesareans, post-partum depression, dealing with the unexpected, sex & birth control after the birth, and much more. We're starting to work our way towards the parenting topics in class six. I've had a lot of work to do on this class because most of it I've created since it's mostly topics by request from the parents.

Class Six: Breastfeeding and parenting. This one is going to be easy with the breastfeeding, but difficult with the parenting. It will be very hard for me to not be biased, especially about vaccinations and circumsizing (both I'm against). I think it's best for me to give an evidence-based handout on them and not talk on those topics. And a few handouts specific to Filipinos so that they don't think it's an American agenda. Have to tread carefully there!

So that's basically what I've been up to. I have all of these great things I'd like to blog about. But just no time right now. Am making mental notes on them.