Support Needs of Expectant Mothers and Fathers: A Qualitative Study

The aim of this study was to describe expectant mothers’ and fathers’ perceived needs of support during pregnancy. Twenty-two women and 10 men were interviewed in four focus groups and 13 individual interviews. Systematic text condensation was performed to analyze the data. Parents described not only a broad spectrum of social support needs but also needs of psychological and physical support. They also requested to share their experiences with others. The foci of care and parents’ needs of support are more harmonized with medical support than with psychological and emotional support. Mothers’ needs were predominately addressed in the health services, but fathers often felt “invisible.” Antenatal services may need to offer more customized individual support and emphasize peer support in groups; the challenge is to involve both parents through communication and encouragement so they can support each other.     

Making the Case for a Physiologic Approach to Childbirth

In this column, Optimal Care in Childbirth: The Case for a Physiologic Approach by Henci Goer and Amy Romano is reviewed. The book presents compelling evidence for the value and importance of a physiological approach to childbirth and provides a clear, exhaustive guide for making sense of the research in the context of the current maternity care system. The book is an invaluable resource for navigating the maze of contemporary obstetrics for both health-care professionals and childbearing families.     

Jonah’s Birth

Rachel Goldstein shares her experience of exploring options related to care provider and place of birth early in her pregnancy. Goldstein and her husband, Marc, after reading and research, chose midwifery care and a home birth. She shares the story of a long labor at home supported by her husband, her doula, and her midwife. Her positive attitude, her ability to use various comfort strategies, and the support she received throughout labor contributed to being able to give birth naturally and ecstatically to her son Jonah.     

中学数学教学中的若干教育评价问题与应对策略

数学教育评价需要发展和更新 ,构建新的评价体系已受到广大教师的关注。数学教育评价的内容不仅仅局限于表面分数的高低 ,通过教育测量、统计、过程记录等方法和手段 ,进行定量和定性分析、处理 ,给出综合性描述与判断 ,从而发现数学教学中所存在的问题 ,并给以科学的评价。     

"助产术"缘何在中国"难产"

苏格拉底“助产术”在西方教育中产生了巨大的影响，直至今天其现代教育教学意义也是不言而喻的。“助产术”所蕴含的教育教学思想：平等的师生关系、主体性的凸显、践行启发式、教育教学生活化与苏格拉底的独立人格和知识观肾密相连。“助产术”在现代教学中的有为在于教师素质的提高、知识观和教学组织形式的突破。然而在中国教育实践中，这种有利于学生素质提高的教学方法却遭遇难产，一个重要的原因在于中国教育仍然没有摆脱应试教育的阴影。