Teaching & Awakening: Comprehensive Childbirth & Lactation Education at CHA

Molly Holmes, Jennifer Johnson, and Jessica Verosko

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.” -Robert Frost

This project aims to expand, improve, and hybridize the childbirth and lactation education offerings at CHA. Childbirth and lactation education are associated with improved patient experience of birth, reflected by better levels of confidence approaching labor, and increased communication with providers, and higher rates of breastfeeding (Stoll & Hall, 2012). Clinically, these patients also tend to have fewer adverse birth outcomes (Gluck, Haiey, Rubenstein, Bar, & Kovo, 2018). Research has also demonstrated that many younger patients, those of childbearing age, tend to turn to technology when it comes to medical education materials (Zauderer, 2009). Given this, along with busy schedules, transportation concerns, and language barriers, enrollment in childbirth education across the nation, has waned.

In alignment with our strategic plan and institutional commitment to providing comprehensive care, we intend to develop childbirth and lactation educational opportunities that are available at multiple locations and taught in multiple languages. These courses will be developed by a physician, midwife, and nurse leader, and taught by individuals certified in childbirth education. This will include a digital component, which allows patients to receive their educational material via app, allowing for flexibility and comfort.

The expansion and development of our educational offerings for obstetric patients and their families represents a leap forward in terms of service and technology. Options will allow for higher enrollment in education and improvement in associated outcomes. Provision of well-planned prenatal education will allow CHA to have a positive impact on the experiences families at a memorable and important time in their lives.