Snow surprised us this weekend
This weekend 5 couples joined me in learning about birth. I'm not sure what made this group so special, but it was. I think there is something about focus and the miracle of birth.We laughed a lot, from the dancing at break, to emphasize movement helps in labor, to the simple wisdom from the dads to be, as they listed the ABC's of labor support.
Maybe it was the spontaneous exchange at another break when it all began with a simple question to our mom to be who has to take insulin for her gestational diabetes. During this brief exchange her partner, gave everyone a brief synopsis of gestational diabetes, why it's important to pay attention to carbs, eating small meals, how it affects the baby, along with the group adding their experiences with having to be tested for gestational diabetes and what they had learned from the nurses or drs. they've met. The mom to be who asked the question and heard from a circle of experience, what was important. I didn't say a word as I quietly observed adult learners who felt safe, respond to a question from their group. Learning that mattered and will be absorbed.
Maybe it was the fun we had in labor stations. The experimenting with positions to find what worked, trying tennis balls in a sock for counter pressure during back labor. Learning about pushing in weird positions and how pulling on a towel will help.
A weekend seminar creates a group with a focus. Make it fun, introduce the key topics in a creative way and let the group work.
As they passed around the googly eyed squishy ball the group identified each of the 6 care practices in responding to "what did you learn".
Is it possible to have the best class ever after teaching for 30yrs? Yes, if it involves families who are beginning their journey into the miracle of birth.
