Childbirth Education
You can also visit our online library's Pregnancy Resource Center.
Congratulations! You are about to embark on one of the greatest adventures of life...parenthood! For an optimal birthing experience, we offer Childbirth Education Programs. Whether you are a rookie or a seasoned veteran, we encourage you to take advantage of these informal, yet highly educational, classes.
Childbirth Preparation Class
Certified childbirth educators will cover: signs and stages of labor; relaxation and breathing techniques; pain management and epidural anesthesia; postpartum and newborn care; and car seat safety. This four week course also includes a tour of the labor and delivery, nursery and post-partum areas. Due to the informative and timely nature of this course, your support person is encouraged to participate, and we ask you schedule your session at least two months prior to your due date.
The Four Week Class Schedule for 2012 is as follows:
Mondays - February 6, 13, 20 and 27
Mondays - March 5, 12, 19 and 26
Wednesdays - April 11, 18, 25 and May 2
Wednesdays - May 9, 16, 23 and 30
Mondays - June 4, 11, 18 and 25
Wednesdays - August 1, 8, 15 and 22
Wednesdays - September 5, 12, 19 and 26
Mondays - October 8, 15, 22 and 29
Mondays - November 5, 12, 19 and 26
All classes are held from 6 - 8:30 p.m. Please call for class location.
For your convenience, we offer a Saturday Childbirth Preparation Class which covers the same topics in a condensed, one day session from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For 2012, the Saturday classes are scheduled for: February 18, May 19, August 25 and November 3.
The Childbirth Preparation Class, whether you attend the four week session or the one day session, costs $40.
Breastfeeding Class
What are the benefits of breastfeeding? What are the challenges of breastfeeding, and what can you do to overcome these challenges? You will learn all of this, and more, with the complete support of our lactation team. Here, they will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to successfully breastfeed your newborn should you choose to do so. The same certified lactation consultants and certified lactation counselors that teach this class will help you during your stay in the hospital, and upon your return home.
The Breastfeeding Classes are held from 6 - 8:30 p.m. The 2012 Breastfeeding Classes are scheduled for the following Wednesdays: February 1, March 7, April 4, June 13, July 18, August 29, October 3 and November 7. This course costs $20.
Sibling Class
Siblings play an important role in the arrival of a newborn, so make them a priority during this special time of your life. Obviously, changes will occur in your household once the baby arrives, and this class helps older siblings understand what to expect. Since children will have the opportunity to view the nursery and maternity areas, we recommend they are between the ages of two and ten years old. The Sibling Class costs $10 per family.
2012 Sibling Class Schedule: March 6, April 17, May 29, July 10, August 28, October 9 and November 20. The classes are held from 6 - 7:15 p.m. at Samaritan Hospital.
Additional Class Information
We feel education is extremely important. If financial hardships prevent you from participating in these classes, please call us at (419) 207-2437 for assistance with class fee payment.
To sign up, or for more information, click here.
