Wrapping, Waving, and Wishing...

Wrapping:
As I was trying to decide what type of product to make using all of the information that I found on pain options for labor and delivery, I had to think about who the information would be useful for. I do not feel that my product should be the end all of a woman's search for possible pain options, rather a beginning. The information has provided me with a knowledge base to start an educated discussion with my doctor. I now feel informed enough to be able to ask her opinion and ideas, while still keeping my opinions and ideas separate. Then I will be able to combine the two in order to make the most educated decision for me. This is what I hope others will do with my product as well. I, by no means, feel the information has given me the definite answer.

Waving:
I have decided to make a brochure that could be used in a childbirth class or as an initial handout a doctor could give patients over their options. The information is rather straight forward, with the most basic information. My husband and I start our childbirth class on Monday, so I plan to discuss my options of sharing my findings further there.

Wishing:
Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome of my project. My anxiety level is lower simply because I have knowledge! A strength and weakness throughout the process has to be the abundance of credible information that is out there. I only scratched the surface (which is why it is a weakness as well), but feel very informed and pleased with what I was able to investigate. The biggest challenge was not to get wrapped up in trying to understand all of the medical descriptions that were provided by some resources. Because of the deadline of the project, I had to limit my "off topic" searching. I would find myself searching specific drugs that are used -- which was great, but I had to come back and continue with general options that are out there. I plan to continue the search and educate myself more specifically on the particular options after discussing with my doctor. Another weakness would be I did not discuss the specific options that the hospital I will be delivering at has available. I definitely plan to do this, but wanted to start the discussion with my doctor and see what I learn in the childbirth class first -- I am sure they both will provide me with most of my answers.

My inquiry process is probably very similar to that of children or young adults. I was excited to learn because the reason for the project was personal. Callison states that the inquiry process should be a "bait and switch" process that "moves the student back to pursuing the teacher's interests, but should help the student stay on target to determine the true questions of interest to that student". I feel that the process was continually being led and directed by Professor Lamb because of the blogging that had to be done. However, the true question I had was being answered by the process of inquiry. I had times of confusion and had to redirect my searching just as students and young adults would.