We invited a midwife from Minamisoma City General Hospital to hold a “Life Education” class as part of the Nursing Day event.
With the cooperation of the Fukushima Nursing Association, students experienced pregnancy simulators, baby bathing, and activities simulating the challenges faced by elderly people.
A midwife is a very important professional who supports mothers and babies, caring for life. They listen to concerns and physical issues during pregnancy and provide support after childbirth. Midwives also play roles in health consultations at health centers, city halls, and town offices.
The Beginning of Life
At first, it is a tiny life, but the heart starts beating, and the baby grows protected by the amniotic fluid inside the womb.
During early pregnancy, the size of the belly hardly changes, but many changes happen in the mother’s body.
By the eighth month of pregnancy, the baby finally reaches about 1 kilogram.
The first cry right after birth is proof that the baby has taken its first breath on its own.
We learned that many miracles happen one after another to create the life we have today.
The average weight of a baby is about 3,000 grams, and the average length is about 50 centimeters.
After watching a video showing the birth process, we shared the contents of a worksheet.
Beforehand, students asked their family members about their experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and the origins of their names.
“Respect Yourself and Others”
We have the responsibility to protect our own mind and body. We were told that when we start to like someone, it’s important to care not only about our own future but also about the other person’s future.
After a short break, we experienced holding a baby, bathing a baby, pregnancy simulation, and elderly simulation.
Comments included, “The neck feels unstable,” and “It’s heavy and hard to get up.” It was a meaningful and valuable time.
Reflections
- “I heard my mother say she was happy to be able to have a child and was looking forward to finally meeting the baby at birth. Others shared similar feelings of happiness, anxiety, and excitement about meeting their babies. I’m glad I could learn about pregnancy and childbirth experiences.”
- “I learned detailed information about childbirth. I realized again that pregnancy is difficult but amazing.”
- “There were many things I learned for the first time. For example, babies are born while turning their heads.”
- “I learned that the first pregnancy is painful. Although babies are cute, I don’t want the pain. I want to appreciate being alive now and do my best.”
- “I understood the hardships of childbirth and also learned the origin of my own name. I don’t know if I will attend a childbirth in the future, but if I do, I want to provide the best support possible.”
- “It was interesting to learn that everyone’s name has a different origin.”
- “I learned about the conditions of early, middle, and late pregnancy.”
- “Even in mid-pregnancy, the baby weighs about 1 kg. I understood that the baby gradually grows even during this period.”
- “Pregnancy means receiving life. Since I might experience this myself someday, I’m glad I could learn through this experience.”
- “During the elderly simulation, we wore weights on our bodies and ear muffs. It was easy to take off the weights now, but elderly people can’t do that, so I think it must be hard for them.”
Thank you very much for the valuable stories and experiences.
