Labor and delivery classes: benefits and outcomes

Nursing

A complete and detailed summary of the education/discussion topics and activities covered during your visit.

The labor and delivery classes covered several different techniques that can be used alone or in conjunction with one another to prepare the patient for a smooth birth experience. Methods of prenatal exercise were covered, with an emphasis on relaxation and massage techniques. Specific tips such as use of pillows and pressure points during massage were offered. Once the prenatal exercises were covered, the class shifted to a lesson on how to recognize the signs of labor and possible problems related to labor. Issues related to midwifery and natural childbirth were discussed. Finally, the class offered a comprehensive list of resources, support groups, and networks, all of which are helpful at the postpartum stage.

What role (DOCUMENT at LEAST TWO) did you play during the activity and patients' role in the education activity?

Providing emotional support was one of my primary roles. Simply telling the patient that she was doing well seemed to help elicit smiles and helped her to relax. I also held her hands during times when she was struggling physically. Another role that I played was to assist her during certain exercises, such as by supporting her back and holding her feet.

3. What TWO roles did patient and/or her support person (s) play in the education activity?

The support person provided strong emotional support for the patient. He was reassuring and repeatedly encouraged the patient by using kind words. By telling the patient how well she was doing, the support person helped the patient relax. He also told her how much she meant to him. In addition to the emotional support and love, the support person also helped with the massaging of the belly with pressure points. He memorized the pressure points and also took home a worksheet with information about the contractions.

4. Document at least THREE things you learned from your participation?

Prenatal care does involve a wide range of approaches that help ease the pain of delivery and help the client make a smooth transition to motherhood. Pain can be managed without the use of pharmaceutical interventions. Breathing techniques, massage, meditation, yoga, and other exercises can help with pain management and so can hypnosis. I learned that mothers also experience heartburn periodically, so they need to eat smaller, more frequent meals or ask their doctors for appropriate medical interventions.

Even those who are on their second or third births benefitted from the refresher course in labor and delivery, learning techniques of breathing and massage. Both the Lamaze and Bradley methods are helpful, although the latter provides a framework within which mothers concerned about their baby's exposure to chemicals and toxins can enjoy a natural childbirth. Another salient point that I learned from the participation was related to the signs of labor, which manifest differently for different patients. The key is to be aware of which signs are normal, and which may indicate a problem that requires immediate medical attention.

I also learned about the signs of labor and that woman's first labor lasts an average of 16 to 18 hours. One of the most helpful techniques I learned related to nursing was that any swelling of the mother's feet, face, and hands may require immediate medical attention.