Jane Palmer 'Supporting our clients to achieve a positive birth'
Background
Over thirty-two years ago, my passion for birth and parenting education began. After a traumatic birth experience, I wanted to change experiences for other birthing women and their partners through birth and parenting education. I aimed to empower expectant parents to make choices right for them. Knowledge is power, but how we deliver that knowledge is critical to getting the best outcomes. I will share the knowledge and research evidence I've gathered over my career to help you facilitate evidence-based education programs for expectant parents to help them achieve a positive birth.
AimTo explore how to facilitate evidence-based education programs for expectant parents to help them achieve a positive birth
MethodsFirst, I’ll take a look at how birth practices have changed over the past 30 years, especially with the rise in intervention rates (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). I’ll also do a quick comparison of different birthing environments and models of care. Then, I’ll dive into private midwifery practice statistics to see how they stack up against national birth trends. After that, I’ll explore the latest research to help guide doulas and childbirth educators in their practice, including key topics and skills that should be part of their programs.
Discussion
Thinking carefully about the design of childbirth and parenting programs enables effective, dynamic and practical facilitation. To help with effective program planning, I plan to look at
- The teaching spaces
- Facilitating rather than teaching
- Creating excitement and engaging the group (no more boring sessions)
- Storytelling
- Effective use of teaching aids
Next, I’ll go over key topics to include in an education program to help participants prepare for a physiological birth. I’ll also share the latest research on why birth and parenting education programs are so beneficial.
Jane Palmer
Jane Palmer, has worked in the field of childbirth education for over 32 years. After qualifying as a midwife in 1997, Jane entered private midwifery practice a few years later. Today, she maintains a small clinical practice as a private midwife, lactation consultant and childbirth educator.
Additionally, Jane job shares the role of Consumer Health Education and Information Manager at Westmead Hospital. Her role includes development of childbirth education programs, managing all parenthood education programs and consumer information in print and online. Jane also manages the company Birth International.
Since 2010, Jane has facilitated a variety of workshops for midwives and maternity care professionals
