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 2010 is as follows:
January - Mondays, January 4, 11, 18, 25
February - Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24
March - Mondays, March 1, 8, 15, 22
April - Wednesdays, April 7, 14, 21, 28
May - Mondays, May 3, 10, 17, 24
June - Wednesdays, June 9, 16, 23, 30
August - Wednesdays, August 4, 11, 18, 25
September - Mondays, September 6, 13, 20, 27
October - Wednesdays, October 6, 13, 20, 27
November - Mondays, November 1, 8, 15, 22
All classes are held from 6:30 - 8 p.m., with the first three classes taking place at Samaritan on Main, 663 East Main Street, and the last class meeting at Samaritan Hospital, 1025 Center Street.
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. at Samaritan on Main. Saturday classes are offered March 13, June 5, August 28 and November 20.
The Childbirth Preparation Class, whether you attend the four week session or the one day session, costs $40.
Breastfeeding Classes
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 at Samaritan on Main from 6 - 8:30 p.m. on the following Wednesdays in 2010: February 3, March 3, March 31, May 5, June 2, July 7, September 1, October 6, November 3 and December 1. 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.
2010 Sibling Class Schedule: To be announced.
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.
