In keeping with ICEA's philosophy of "freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives," ICEA workshops focus on developing effective teaching techniques and applying adult education principles to childbirth classes rather than advocating specific content for childbirth education classes. With the material presented, the participants increase their capability of developing appropriate class curriculum and differing their teaching style to meet the individual needs of each class.

This workshop is designed to offer basic training and to strengthen educational skills for postnatal educators. Attending the entire workshop will meet the contact hour requirements for ICEA postnatal educator certification.

DATES AND LOCATIONS

Exact workshop meeting room name, location, and hotel information will be sent with workshop registration confirmation. A limited block of sleeping rooms have been reserved for workshop participants at a hotel near the workshop location.

Buffalo, New York USA - October 22-23, in conjunction with ICEA 2008 International Convention. NOTE: Registration materials for the ICEA 2008 International Convention, including the Postnatal Educator Professional Training Workshop held in conjunction with the convention, will be available in the spring of 2008.

DAILY SCHEDULE
DAY ONE

Postpartum and the Postnatal Educator: Filling the Education Void

• Describe postpartum as a developmental process.
  

• Summarize the five developmental tasks of postpartum.
  

• Describe potential roles of the postnatal educator.
  

• Outline components of a wellness model of postnatal education.
  

The Postpartum Work of Physical Restoration

• Describe maternal, paternal, and neonatal physiologic adaptation during postpartum.
  

• Identify causes of maternal pain and demonstrate use of nonpharmacologic strategies for pain management in postpartum.
  

• Describe and/or demonstrate self-care skills which enhance maternal recovery during postpartum.
  

• Summarize signs and symptoms of abnormal physical conditions in postpartum.
  

Psychological Journeys That Create Families: Part I: Integrating the Birth Experience

• Summarize research related to effects of the birth experience on postnatal adaptation.
  

• Describe the work of integration of the birth experience.
  

• Explore effective strategies to assist new parents in the work of integration of the birth experience.
  

Psychological Journeys That Create Families: Part II: Postpartum Emotional Adaptation

• Characterize the postpartum emotional experience.
  

• Rehearse counseling strategies that facilitate new parents' exploration of emotional aspects of postpartum.
  

• Identify signs and symptoms of emotional disorders during postpartum.
  

Psychological Journeys That Create Families: Part III: Men's and Women's Transition to Parenthood

• Characterize the process of role transition women experience as they take on the mothering role.
  

• Outline the components of successful postpartum mom/baby programs.
  

• Characterize the process of role transition men experience as they take on the fathering role.
  

• Outline the components of successful postpartum programs for expectant and new fathers.
  

Psychological Journeys That Create Families: Part IV: Attachment Work as the Foundation for Parent-Child Relationship

• Define attachment.
  

• Describe attachment work as it unfolds.
  

• Explore the concept of reciprocity in relation to development of the parent-child relationship.
  

• Outline the four stages of early interaction between parent and infant as described by Brazelton and Cramer in The Earliest Relationship.

DAY TWO

Unexpected Outcomes and the Process of Postpartum

• Identify potential unexpected outcomes during the childbearing year.
  

• Relate the work of grief and the work of postpartum.
  

• Utilize effective support and counseling strategies in work with postpartum families who have experienced a childbearing loss.
  

• Describe the unique emotional needs of families who have experienced a loss in a previous pregnancy.
  

The Developing Baby

• Describe infant states of consciousness and their significance to new parents.
  

• Utilize the newborn's sensory and motor skills to enhance parents' understanding of the newborn.
  

• Summarize the effects of temperament on the parent-child relationship.
  

• Outline educational strategies for teaching parents about infant behavior, temperament, and development.
  

Supporting Parents as They Learn to Care for the Infant

• Relate the postpartum developmental tasks of attachment and caretaking.
  

• Examine current research on components of successful breastfeeding.
  

• Examine research on recommendations related to common infant care practices.
  

• Outline educational strategies to assist parents in developing competence in infant care practices.
  

How Relationships Are Redefined in Postpartum

• Describe current research on the relationship between marital satisfaction and adding a child to the family.
  

• Outline critical messages regarding methods of sustaining a healthy marital relationship during the developmental work of postpartum.
  

• Identify characteristics of relationship adjustment during postpartum.
  

• Explore the experience of taking on the role of grandparent.