biology oriented kallah class

[chayan]

I had an idea that I wanted to run past other frum nurses.

for a while I've been thinking of starting a biology-oriented kallah class. Meaning, teaching kallahs the biology behind their monthly cycles, conception, common problems, when to worry etc. Like it or not, these are things that generally do not get taught to frum girls in high school and many go into marriage knowing very little about their own bodies. Kallah teachers spend most of their time on halachah/hashkafah but not on biology.

--If you were teaching such a class, which topics would you cover?
--What would be the best way to present/market such a class?
--What would be the ideal class size? And class length? Would it be best to offer a series of classes?

[achot]

Chaya, its a great idea, I have been teaching this kinda stuff to my dtrs and their friends and in one instance I was invited to talk to my dtrs class as well. My dtrs school did have a well known frum midwife talk to the girls at age 12 about their periods and everything that was important for them to know at that age, why they bloat, become moody, feel uncomfortable etc. While I discovered that not every girl WANTS to know the biology involved, it is important that they know. and know how to get good help
I would include breast care (men too ) and monthly checks etc Also signs of cancer, infections (including STDs), yeast infections, things that are abnormal and need checking by a OB-GYN, explain the need for an annual (and what to expect), what a PAP smear is and why you need it, signs of pregnancy, ovulation, miscarriage ( I would definitely explain that miscarriages happen and there are hashgafah ramifications but no need to be embarrassed or feel like a failure) and most importantly what to do before pregnancy (say folic acid supplements9, good nutrition like calcium needs from a young age, exercise (including Kegels) and ergonomics that will not stress your uterus or back), the need to keep a calender of your cycle and mark monthly and yearly reminders) I would get a plastic breast with a lump so they can practice finding it.
Most of this info is available in books and internet but not every girl can properly understand or will read.
Ideal class sizes should be small but flexible. Marketing it would have to include a free intro speech or write up in a paper like the Jewish Press. Perhaps thru your local shule, do they have an email listing? Our neighborhood has one and lots of such classes are offered. How to read your blood test results, Understanding vitamin supplements, Doula classes for grandmothers (to be) etc and people just advertise their class and where to call for info
Seminaries might also be a good place for an audience.
I would assume a Kallah teacher does go into some of this stuff. My Kallah teacher accepted such a large group that none of us opened our mouths with questions which was a shame. So smaller groups are definitely better. I dont know if a Kallah has time for this so I would branch out to also Sem girls age 18 and up.
Good Luck , Sounds like a great venture for you

[Rivka P]

You might want to ask this group if they have materials for this kind of thing and if they would like to be involved in planning a curriculum and training course for potential teachers.

www.yoatzot.org/

[chayan]

Thank you Achot! It sounds like a lot of material to cover in just one class. How long does it take you? Do you make it a series?

I was thinking to make it a series of two 1.5 hour classes. One class would be a&p of the male and female reproductive system, and the second class would cover the rest (diet and exercise, possible problems, preparation for pregnancy, bse, etc.).

Rivka, great idea about contacting yoatzot! I would like the class to be as kosher and tzanua as possible but on the other hand the purpose isn't to give halachah or hashkafah, which a rav or kallah teacher can do; it's to give the biological overview which I feel is often lacking.

[medic09]

Chaya, as an educator I say this is an excellent idea. Since I tend to interact with a more modern crowd, I didn't realize the girls have such a gap in their education. Rivka is right, by the way - yoatzot can be an excellent resource. There might be one in your area with whom you could speak directly.

[achot]

1) as I said I teach it to my dtrs and their friends, so it isnt an official course but information that I pass along so they know how to care for themselves
2) I forgot to mention Mittleshmirtz, and differentiating menstrual pain, mittleshmirtz, pain that might be appendix related (some ppl still think that the appendix is on the left, and others think that only pain in the RLQ means possible appendicitis),
3) ALSO add why you dont overdo it with the Ibuprofen or other menstral pain meds. I have spent the nights in the ER with Sem girls who took Nurofen every hour thinking it would help and ended up with painful side effects
I am sure there is more
It is a lot of info to cover but since you asked....these are the topics that over the years have been important and I have noticed a lack of education in (yes Medic) even the 'modern' Jewish population. It is amazing how uneducated ppl are, even if they had bio, and a& p classes doesnt mean they remember the material or absorbed it.

[Rivka P]

Um is Mittleshmirtz just cramps?

[achot]

mittelschmerz ( i spelt it wrong)
[mit′əlshmerts]
Etymology: Ger, MITTE, middle, Schmerz, pain
abdominal pain in the region of an ovary during ovulation, usually occurring midway through the menstrual cycle. Present in many women, mittelschmerz is useful for identifying ovulation, thus pinpointing the fertile period of the cycle. Also called intermenstrual pain.
Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 8th edition. © 2009, Elsevier.

Many women suffer from it, it is very painful, some seek hospitalization. You can call it cramps but the women (or girls) who suffer, really do suffer. It helps to know what it comes from so you dont panic...

[Rivka P]

OK thanks. I get what you're saying. You would explain a bit about ovulation etc to girls approaching puberty so that they can know what is going on. So we are talking about two ideas here, a puberty class and a marriage class. It would need to be in two stages, in accordance with life events, I suppose.