Stories as a Teaching Tool

I have been teaching childbirth education classes for almost two years.  The more births I attend, the more classes I teach - the more stories I am exposed to. I try to vary my teaching techniques as much as possible and it occurred to me recently how valuable the stories I tell in class are to the learning process. Using real life examples was an instinctual technique that found validation while reading one of the "required texts" for certification through ICEA.  ("Prepared Childbirth-The Educator's Guide"). I have a few favorites that always make an appearance at some point in the class series and I am looking forward to the opportunity to experience more.

I wanted to check in with other educators and find out if they use story telling as a tool in their classes and if so-which are their favorites?  Do you find telling birth stories valuable? Do you share your own experiences or those of friends and family?  For those of you who are fortunate enough to attend births-have you used any of those stories to complement your lectures-confidentially of course....

What works for you? 

Comments

Stories as a teaching tool

by Anonymous - 05/28/2010 - 20:27

I think short stories and real-life examples can add "spice" and interest to your class presentations. One of the stories I tell is about my son, who aspirated during second stage labor and ended up in the NICU for nine days! I use this as part of my discussion of unexpected outcomes, and point out the stages of grief I went through and the coping techniues that helped me. I always end on a positive note, sharing the strengths I gained through the experience and mention that thanks to excellent medical care, my son is now fine and graduated from college with honors (just in case they are wondering if he had brain damage.)
I also share many little examples of coping strategies that I have seen women use in labor--some are humorous and some are serious. These never fail to catch the attention of everyone in the class.

Stories

by Anonymous - 05/28/2010 - 07:19

One of the stories I tell regarding to asking for help after the baby comes: It's so important to "ask" for help after your baby is born and the reason you have to actually ask, is that people often forget what it's like to have a new baby...even if they've had children before.
After my first baby was born by cesarean section, I came home from the hospital on day three. My brother and sister in law and their two children came to see us, brought us a big pot of meatballs and stayed for the entire day! My sister in law was 6 months pregnant with her third child. I neglected to breastfeed that day because the baby was sleeping. What a good baby, I thought. I was more focused on entertaining than my baby. By the time they left that evening, my breasts were hard, hot melons that went under my arm pits! (This always makes people laugh) I was in tears. Sore, exhausted and had a tough time getting the baby latched on. Three months later, after my sister in law had her third baby, she called on her first day home and said "on my gosh, I am so sorry we came to visit you on your first day home from the hospital...I had forgotten what it's like to have a new baby!"

Limit the amount of time your visitors stay so that you can focus on getting the rest you need and focus on breastfeeding that baby!!
Also, no one is allowed to see the baby unless they bring you food!!!

I Do

by Anonymous - 05/11/2010 - 10:07

I have just starting teaching. My second series starts this evening. But, I do use stories in my classes. It seems as pregnant women we are bombarded with the dramatic stories of just about everyone we meet. I included at least two positive usual birth stories in my last series. It is relaxing to hear of a "normal" birth and to learn from that what to expect. Not to expect drama.
-Kelli

Story telling in class

by Anonymous - 05/02/2010 - 00:23

I've always instinctually told stories from my own experiences and those of my doula & cbe clients. I know that when I was first pregnant, I wanted lots of first hand tales to show me what was possible in a real world situation.

There is great validation in a story from one's realm of experience. Books are well crafted, online forums are anonymous but when I tell a student about what I experienced and observed in the hospital she will be in. This kind of story telling also enhances bonds between me as a teacher or doula and my clients/students. They feel they know me better and therefore it validates the rest of the information I share.

YES

by Anonymous - 05/08/2010 - 01:09

May be i don't place in the term of story telling but in the way of discussion i make others to say about there experiences in earlier pregnancy.For new moms there current experiences itself varies from mom to mom so with that i'll able to clarify as well as strengthen and motivate them for there expected deliveries.
According to my experience each mother has there unique way of carrying there pregnancy,may be some topics appear to be similar mostly it differs so saying of only one experience i don't feel to be fulfilled of there search regarding pregnancy.I make it very clear that each person is unique and i only guide them but the choices are open for them to choose which has really impacted them and made them feel they are special.
As you said each day learning new things from mothers itself helps to give a different shape to the classes.

Yes..

by Anonymous - 05/04/2010 - 07:44

I never tell big long stories but I do state some things that happened to me and to people I know. Sometimes I have new parents come in and tell their story too. And I have favourites - one of them is really about informed decision making and the story is about a friend whose water broke at 32wks and she refused induction, lay down at home until labour started at 34wks then did 24hr kangaroo care - without much support from hospital - until discharge from NICU - totally amazing story! Usually that one gets mentioned when we talk about waters breaking and someone usually asks "how long do they 'let' you go before they induce?". I also do a round of 'breastfeeding experiences' when we first start on breastfeeding and I share bits of my own experiences - I really like doing this because it brings out lots of myths and issues you can write down and be sure to address.
H