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Group Size Time Unit: Section
Purpose
Preparation
Procedure
ACTIVITY: LABOR STATIONS
Individuals or pairs 15 – 30 minutes Unit 2: Comfort Strategies
Use this activity as an opportunity for parents to try various positions in conjunction with relaxation techniques. Labor Stations allows you to bring together the elements you’ ve taught: massage, breathing, relaxation techniques, movement and position changes into a“ rehearsal” of labor.
This is a two part,“ mix and match” activity that brings together practicing positions for labor while integrating relaxation techniques. On the following pages, there are 10 photos of positions followed by 12 pages of relaxation techniques. Print, cut out and laminate each position and technique card.
Preview
Ahead of time, set up 10 stations for a labor rehearsal, with one photo position at each. Be sure to have the supplies needed at each station( birth or peanut ball, chair, mat, pillows, etc). Put the relaxation technique cards face down in the center of the room. Before you begin, explain the process to the class: each pair will spend one contraction at each station, but before the contraction begins, they are to select 1-3 cards( depending on the size of the class) to take with them to the station and use while they try the position.
If desired, add“ mock contractions” to the rehearsal to help parents identify how long a contraction might last and how quickly or slowly time seems to go by depending on what they are doing.
Randomly announce a contraction is starting and but keep the length of each contraction the same( 45 or 60 seconds works best). This way, they can compare how long or short the contractions seem depending on what they do during the contraction.
LABOR STATIONS
Alternative Methods
Practice one or two relaxation techniques at the end of each class. Practice labor positions through out the class to break up monotony and get parents moving.
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