Postpartum Classes

Liebe Mutti · 03-03-2007, 12:43 AM

So girls, I have what seems to be another really stupid question.

Do you offer pp classes? I don't mean baby care, I mean classes for the moms?
If you do, what does it consist of?

Here I go again.... Here in Germany, post partum classes are covered by Health Insurance. The moms attend a 90 min course as of 8-12 weeks pp. It is a weekly course that goes over a period of I think 8 weeks. Main topics are the concerns pp and of course getting your pelvic floor muscle and stomach muscles back into their proper positions and back into shape. Of course, it depends on the course, but sometimes breastfeading, nutrician, sexuality, incontinence and the baby are briefly covered topics. I think these courses are great. I attended them after every birth and still do some of the exercises. I am training to be a pp doula with CAPPA, but haven't received my package yet. I would love to give pp courses when I come back to Canada. I am really curious if anything like this is offered in North America.

Tina

MothertheMother · 03-03-2007, 10:10 AM

this sounds like an interesting idea...I've not heard of it here but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I would think it'd be tough getting brand new moms and their brand new babies out of the house to attend, though. *thinking out loud* If it was set up more like a new mom support group with helpful information I could see better attendence. Hmmmm. Very interesting. I'm going to think much more about this.

doula Michele · 03-03-2007, 10:17 AM

I was running a successful group for moms parenting babies under 1 yr of age.
Its was great because after a while I did not have to do much, they all talked amongst themselves about PPD, diaper rash, feeding etc...great friendships are made, and they start going to gym nights and baby swim classes.

I think if you provide some knowledge, all that alot of new moms are looking for is to know that they are not alone.

tlcdoula · 03-03-2007, 02:57 PM

No I don't have any classes like that. In fact I have never heard of them. Only thing in my area is pp exercise classes or mommy and me type playgroups.

Amydoula · 03-03-2007, 05:49 PM

I do not teach postpartum classes, I consider being a postpartum doula in their home kind of a private class in a way. I think it is a great idea though.

Liebe Mutti · 03-04-2007, 01:39 AM

wow! I thought at least the hospitals would have classes. I am attending classes every Monday morning for moms with babes starting tomorrow. They have a babysitter for the babies who don't have sitters. I will be helping the sitter and can hopefully still take notes with a baby in a sling. We'll see. Maybe I'll offer classes like this anyway when I am back in Canada. Who knows. Maybe women will like this. I sure enjoyed it.

Tina

tlcdoula · 03-04-2007, 09:55 AM

If you can get your hands on the curriculum I would love to see it and see if my boss would allow me to try something like that at our hospital.

Liebe Mutti · 03-04-2007, 01:58 PM

Sure, I would love to give you guys everything I have and recommend my favourite books, but unfortunately everything is still in German. I am trying to put stuff together on my own. As I said, I visited three post natals courses of my own and kept everything (three kids). Now I will be observing and will hopefully get handouts and maybe I will have a hand free to take notes. I dare not forget my sling tomorrow. I will keep you posted.

Tina

tlcdoula · 03-04-2007, 02:05 PM

What a bummer

Well, if you ever get around to getting it in English I would love to see it.

syncreo · 03-05-2007, 08:56 PM

Hi,
Public health does mom and baby classes for new moms - it is really about helping moms adjust to life with a new baby. At our Centre I run a Mother's Circle that goes for 6 weeks - we discuss the joys and challenges of new motherhood and although I facilitate a different topic each week I let the group of women do the talking. The groups usually continue to meet on their own after the 6 week period is up and this was one of the goals of doing the circle - to create a community and network for new moms to tap into and build relationships with. It has been very successful and is one of our more popular programs.

Liebe Mutti · 03-06-2007, 07:45 AM

wow! That's great. It is always good for new moms to get out and know they are not alone and share their experiences. The course I am visiting is a five week course and the topics include:

1. Legs and stability, Birth experiences and getting back to daily routine
2. Pelvic Floor muscle, Sexuality "after"
3. Stomach, Posture, feeling towards the body
4. Breast and shoulders, nursing
5. Introduction to baby massage, organisation at home

This is less discussion and more exercises and being aware of the changes and preventing problems and the healing process. Babies are at least 2 months old. I think the difference here is that the courses here are maybe more packed with information and exercises. The moms are taught how to master their daily routines while taking into consideration posture and out of shape pelvic floor muscles. I guess what I am trying to say is that here in German there is a lot of emphasis put on the pelvic floor muscle in PP classes. Preventative medicine so to speak. Lots of exercises, but not a gym class. Does this make any sense? It is hard to explain.

syncreo · 03-06-2007, 08:34 AM

Hi,
Yes it makes sense. I think focusing on the pelvic floor muscles is a great idea. Our sessions are much more discussion oriented and geared towards the needs of the specific group. The intent is not to teach but to support and provide an opportunity for moms to ask questions, access resources and build strong connections. I do provide resources and handouts but the information takes a backseat to the sharing of information between the moms.

doula Michele · 03-06-2007, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by syncreo

Hi,
Yes it makes sense. I think focusing on the pelvic floor muscles is a great idea. Our sessions are much more discussion oriented and geared towards the needs of the specific group. The intent is not to teach but to support and provide an opportunity for moms to ask questions, access resources and build strong connections. I do provide resources and handouts but the information takes a backseat to the sharing of information between the moms.

yes, I found the moms are there to get out...it gets pretty hard to stay on topic and focus, because they are there to chat and compare rash creams.
I just kind of let them go, and was there to answer questions. Sometimes not getting a word in! It was great!

mari · 03-06-2007, 03:41 PM

When I teach a series for Childbirth classes my last class is always on postpartum concerns, breastfeeding, newborn care etc. It works out nice. When I see clients that I am hired as a doula for I also go over pp concerns as part of the birth plan.

Mari

PostDoula · 03-06-2007, 10:31 PM

I've been interested in trying to start a Postpartum class at the local hospital for pregnant moms....My concern is if there would be enough interest--most expecting parents seem very concerned with childbirth ed. classes, baby care classes, and possibly breastfeeding classes....I'm not sure if first-time parents would prioritize a postpartum class.
I never considered offering it for after the birth though. I would definitely be interested in more details on what the German curriculum includes. Thanks for sharing!