A model for the development of childbirth education classes in high-risk neighborhoods

Background: Childbirth education (CBE) has been shown to increase confidence in ability to cope with childbirth, increases breastfeeding rates, and decrease unnecessary hospital visits. In 2005, at Boston Medical Center (BMC), an urban hospital serving a low income, multicultural population, only 10% of women attended childbirth education classes (CBE). In response we are conducting a community-involved needs assessment and expanding the current childbirth education program by integrating hospital's existing community doula program, the Birth Sisters to enhance continuity and cultural appropriateness of classes.

Methods: A needs assessment is being conducted through self administered surveys and personal interviews, conducted by trained Birth Sisters at BMC and three Boston area health centers. Both the interviews and surveys are available in five different languages. Classes will be designed and implemented by multilingual Birth Sisters building on the needs assessment. Once classes are established an evaluation of the impact of class participation will be done.

Results: The surveys are being administered and interviews conducted as this abstract is written. Data collection will be completed by April and the revised classes begun in June.

Conclusion: Implementing culturally competent CBE through community involvement and integrating them with a doula program represents new challenges for the MCH community. Giving women the information they need and want, in a language they can understand, from educators who are related to a doula program is expected to yield more positive health outcomes for at-risk mothers in our community.