Introduction

As we close out 2021, a year filled with many challenges, I thought our last Brilliant Activities for Birth Educators post of 2021 can be about meaningful closings as well.  Making sure that you end your time together with a group of families with some thoughtful closing rituals is an important piece of a satisfying and effective childbirth class.  Here are five ways that you might consider sending the families on their way with confidence and excitement.  You can find all the Brilliant Activities for Birth Educators (almost 80 of them in the series!) for free at this link. 

1. A group photo

I have talked about this idea before, but the families in my classes always enjoy having a group photo of their cohort taken as we end our time together.  In person, (in the days before COVID?) they all crowded in together for a class photo.  Online, we all hold up the “babies” we were practicing newborn caring and bodyfeeding with and smile for the “screenshot.”  I send it out with the final post class email of the series.  It is fun to do it again at the reunion, when they are holding their "real" babies.

2. A moving poem or short story

Select a favorite poem, short story or essay about becoming parents and growing families and read it aloud to the class.  Taking a moment to reflect on the journey, how far they have come and all that is ahead is a thoughtful way to close your time together.

3.  A fun quiz

Consider having a quick and engaging quiz using something like Kahoot or another online quiz platform as a final review of all the skills and knowledge the families have accumulated during your time together.  Make it fun, and even offer consider a little prize (emailed gift certificate) or branded swag for the winner.  They will leave your class confident they are ready for what is to come.

4.  Inspirational art

Leave a bit of time before the end of class for the families to create a motivational poster, saying, quotes(s) or image(s) that they can hang in their birthing space to remind them of their strength, abilities and support.  Invite them to bring paper, crayons, colored pencils, paints, images, and other materials they might want to work with to the final class.  They can create something they would like to put up at home or in the hospital to help them feel like the super birthers they are.

5. A class play list

Utilizing a common platform such as Pandora or Spotify, have the entire class collaborate on a shareable play list for the different parts of labor.  Include some relaxing tracks for the early phases and some great choices for when it is time to move or when the pushing starts.  Don’t forget the late night nursing sessions, and pop in some soothing lullabies to close the list out.

Conclusion

Families share of themselves throughout a class as you offer information and help them to develop skills that will serve them well during birth and early parenting. Recognizing this unique time and celebrating their “launch” into what comes next with a fun and meaningful closing ritual is a lovely way to honor the time you have spent together during this important milestone.

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