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4: Having a Baby: The Birth Process
Student Activities
- Visit a childbirth preparation class. Observe one particular expectant mother and her support person.
- What is the childbirth method being taught?
- What expectations does the mother have for her birthing experience?
- What are some coping mechanisms that she has utilized throughout her pregnancy and will use during the birthing experience?
- Spend some time with an obstetrics nurse in a physicians’ office or hospital.
- Ask the nurse what types of questions expectant mother/families ask during the first visit to the physicians’ office or on admission to the hospital.
- Ask what types of screenings are done and what risk factors are involved.
- Ask to see a birthing suite, and have the nurse show you how all of the furniture and cabinets are changed for the birthing. If possible, ask to observe a mother in labor.
- Spend a day at an obstetrics clinic. Visit with a physician, nurse, mother, social service worker, and psychologist, if possible.
- Observe and document what each of these people does.
- Find out what types of classes the clinic offers.
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