Title: X, Y & Z Childbirth Education for the New Millennium
Abstract Text Submission for 2009 AWHONN Convention
Valerie Henry, BSN, RN & Liz Powell, MSN, RN
Challenges abound for childbirth educators attempting to engage and prepare a new generation of expectant parents.   Fewer couples are choosing to participate in childbirth education classes (Declercq, et al 2006), information is widely disseminated outside of the classroom via television and Internet, and there is limited time for participation in traditional six to eight week childbirth series.  According to the Listening to Mothers II report (2006) a mere 11% of women consider childbirth education an important aspect of their care during pregnancy.
Noting that enrollment levels were declining in childbirth classes, a community education department determined to re-evaluate their programs.  Voice of the customer, research into changing trends in childbirth preparation and investigation into generational learning styles led to the conclusion that a new direction was needed.  Traditional childbirth education methods did not align with what this research revealed.
A variety of new approaches were piloted with varying degrees of success.  The traditional six week series was shortened to four weeks and later to two weeks.  A menu of classes was developed to allow clients the opportunity to choose based on their preferences via a “Design Your Own Package”.  The foundation for the package is Labor Basics which provides “just the basics” for those who have limited availability and want their educational experience to be quick, timely and relevant.  Conventional videos, posters and handouts were replaced with updated PowerPoint presentations. 
Among the “Design Your Own” menu choices is a Breathing & Relaxation option.   Due to the overwhelming client preference for medicated delivery at this institution, these techniques are now taught as a stand alone class.  With a greater than 85% epidural rate, it was noted that many couples found this portion of the traditional class to be irrelevant; for those with an interest in unmedicated birth this class allows for an evening of total immersion in the subject matter with like-minded couples.  Other options available include Breastfeeding, Pets & Babies, Grandparents, Multiples, Sibling, CPR, and Happiest Baby on the Block™.  Baby Basic, a class devoted to preparing parents for the basics of baby care was revamped from a lecture format to a hands-on learning experience.
 eLearning is the latest addition to the course selection making childbirth education available to a broader audience including those with time constraints and/or limited financial resources.  In order to maintain the ‘human touch’ the eLearning experience is coupled with an in-person tour and weekly e-mail contact with a childbirth educator.
This presentation will detail the journey from traditional instruction to childbirth education for the 21^st century.  It will address the restructure of classes, techniques for dealing with educator resistance, the necessity of choice, inclusion of technology, as well as lessons learned throughout the journey.  Finally, it will examine what’s on the horizon that might captivate and engage a new generation of expectant parents.