Being an "old" childbirth educator and someone with a Master's degree in
adult eduation, I just have to jump in on this one!

Keep in mind that, in addition to postpartum "fogginess" (which I agree is a
real thing), new parents are just like everyone else.  They all have
different learning styles.  Only about 10% of the population learns
effectively through lecture and another 10% learns best by reading...

So, if you have a class (we now use a video at our hospital), you need to
have varied teaching techniques (short "lectures", some hands on, some bar
graphs, some written materials, maybe even a short video clip for latch).

All written materials need to be kept simple.  You need graphics and "white"
space--spaces without words.  The non-readers can't cope with a single-spaced
sheet too packed with words.

I try for fifth grade reading level.  Really.  Most professionals forget that
they use "medical-ese" out of habit.  Fifth grade means 90% of the words are
two-syllable words (womb instead of uterus; nursing instead of lactation--you
get the idea).

I once saw a pictorial postoperative guide for patients--it was great!!  I've
thought of using it but the graphics part stopped me.  I wasn't sure I could
find/draw exactly what I wanted.  I stil think it might be the best
alternative of all.  Even if someone didn't speak English they could see the
pictures.  Anyone want to work on this with me??

Jeanne Brotherton, RNC, IBCLC
Bellingham, Washington

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html