We know people learn in a variety of ways. Some like a lot of information, and some prefer just the basics. To accommodate a variety of schedules and learning styles, we offer the following classes:
NOTE: Please check with your insurance company as some companies will reimburse you for these childbirth classes. You should enroll in your fourth month of pregnancy for a childbirth education program, even though you will not begin the course until your 6th month. Register online or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Preparation for Childbirth
This course will give you and your partner complete, up-to-date information about having a baby and enable you to become more informed and active participants in labor and delivery. The comprehensive 7-week course (depending on the calendar) includes:
- The different phases of labor
- Comfort and support techniques for the mother and labor partner
- Breathing (Bradley & Lamaze), relaxation and visualization techniques.
- Different options and variations of the birth process
- Tour of the Birthing Center
- Postpartum and basic newborn care
- Postpartum care for mom
- Infant care
- Breast or bottle feeding class
- Medication choices
- Cesarean birth
- Birth and baby care videos
There is practice time for relaxation and breathing techniques with individual assistance from the instructor, as well as an opportunity to become familiar with the hospital through a tour of the Wesson Women and Infants' birthing unit.
| Schedule: |
Seven weekly (depending on the holidays), two hours sessions , available Sunday through Thursday evenings. Held at Baystate Medical Center, Wesson Women's, Springfield, MA
2011
- August 7-- September 25, Sundays@6pm
- August 15 -- October 3, Mondays@6:30pm
- August 31-- October 12, Wednesdays@6:30pm
- September 26-- November 7, Mondays@6:30pm
- October 6--November 17, Thursdays@6:30pm
- October 16-- November 27, Sundays@6pm
- October 31-- December 12, Mondays@6:30pm
- November 2-- December 14, Wednesdays@6:30pm
- December 1-- January 12, Thursdays@6:30pm
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| Cost: |
$100.00
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| Registration and More Information: |
Register online or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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4 Week Childbirth Education Express
This is a condensed version of the 7-week program. It is designed for parents who have limited time, but still want more than just a brief overview. The class includes:
- Overview of labor
- Basic breathing and relaxation techniques
- Medication options
- Cesarean birth
- Tour of the Wesson Women and Infants' birthing unit
- Childbirth and postpartum videos
- Breast- or bottle feeding class is also included, but taken separately.
Schedule:
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Four weekly, two hour classes.
2011
- August 9-- August 30, Tuesdays@6:30pm
- August 11 -- September 1, Thursdays@6:30pm
- August 17-- September 7, Wednesdays@6:30pm
- September 10--October 1, Saturdays@10am
- September 15--October 6, Thursdays@6:30pm
- September 20--October 11, Tuesdays@6:30pm
- September 28--October 19, Wednesdays@6:30pm
- October 20--November 10, Thursdays@6:30pm
- October 29--November 19, Saturdays@10am
- November 8--November 29, Tuesdays@6:30pm
- November 16--Decemebr 14, Wednesdays@6:30pm
- November 21-- December 12, Mondays@6:30pm
- December 8-- January 5, Thursdays@6:30pm
- December 27-- January 17, Tuesdays@6:30pm
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Location:
Cost:
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Wesson Women's at Baystate Medical Center
$100.00
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| Registration and More Information: |
Register online or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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One-Day Childbirth Education Express
This is a single class held on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm (one hour for lunch) that provides information including:
- Stages of labor and delivery
- Birth video
- Basic comfort techniques
- Medications
- Tour of Birthing Center
- Medical interventions and Cesarean birth
- Basic baby care
This is a good choice for parents who would not otherwise attend childbirth classes, or who have spent an extensive time reading about childbirth. It is also recommended for those who are taking the Marvelous Multiples classes. Register early for this class.
Schedule:
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One Saturday every other month from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2011
- August 20
- October 15
- December 10
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Location:
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Wesson Women's at Baystate Medical Center
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| Cost: |
$125.00
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| Registration and More Information: |
Register online or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. |
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Cesarean Birth Class
This class will prepare couples who expect a scheduled Cesarean birth for the physical and emotional aspects of Cesarean delivery. Topics include:
- Indications for a Cesarean delivery
- Signs of labor
- Methods of evaluating the fetus (unborn baby)
- Physical and emotional changes in mothers
- Postpartum care
- A film and tour of the Wesson Women and Infants' Unit.
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| Schedule: |
One two-and-a-half-hour evening session- Call for schedule
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| Location: |
Wesson Women's at Baystate Medical Center
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| Cost: |
$25.00
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| Registration and More Information: |
Register online or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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Childbirth Refresher Class
If you are expecting a second or third child, this class reviews:
- Signs and symptoms of labor
- Relaxation techniques and comfort measures
- Medications
- Preparing a child for the birth of a new sibling
It is also helpful for couples planning a vaginal delivery after having previously had a Cesarean delivery (VBAC).
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| Schedule: |
One four-hour class, quarterly, on a Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.
2011
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Location:
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Wesson Women's at Baystate Medical Center
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| Cost: |
$60.00
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| Registration and More Information: |
Register online or call 413-794-BABY (794-2229), 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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