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  • Title: School-based adolescent pregnancy classes.
    Author: Podgurski MJ.
    Journal: AWHONNS Clin Issues Perinat Womens Health Nurs; 1993; 4(1):80-94. PubMed ID: 8472053.
    Abstract:
    School-based adolescent pregnancy classes provide the childbirth educator with a unique opportunity to be visible to students. Attitudes about sexuality and pregnancy can be changed within the mainstream population by the presence of prepared childbirth classes at schools. The problems of absenteeism and denial of pregnancy that result in late reporting to health care providers can be minimized. The expectant teen-ager can be encouraged to attend school and given self-confidence in assuming the role of a parent after birth. Support can be engendered from faculty, students, and the teen-ager's support person. School-based adolescent pregnancy programs have the advantages of providing learning in an environment already organized for education, ensuring that a high risk group receives childbirth education, and changing attitudes of mainstream about sexuality and pregnancy. Pregnant students generally present to a school-based childbirth education program in their 1st trimester, long before their initial appointment with a health care provider. Visits with the teenager's parent or guardian are scheduled as soon as the student gives her permission. Components of such a program may include active learning activities such as role playing, group sessions (open to partners), guest speakers, parents night, audiovisual materials, field trips to hospitals or infant stimulation centers, nutritional segments, coaching on expulsion during labor, and basic information on sexuality. Given the high school drop-out rate among pregnant adolescents, names and addresses of contact persons should be obtained so an outreach worker can do follow-up work. During the immediate postpartum period, the childbirth educator maintains contact with the adolescent and serves as a liaison with the school administration. The availability of free day care at the school is the factor most likely to ensure a return to school after childbirth. Mothers are encouraged to bring their infants to parenting classes on topics such as crying, infant safety, and feeding. Since most of these infants are raised in 3-generational households, grandparents are encouraged to participate in group discussions and role responsibilities are clarified. Counseling of the teen mother is focused on raising self-esteem, teaching decision-making and refusal skills, and substance abuse. For school-based programs to be more than remedial, strategies must be incorporated for interrupting the cycle of poverty, low educational skills, and adolescent pregnancy.
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