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
  • Breastfeeding class is also included, but taken separately
• 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

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
• Breastfeeding class is also included, but taken separately.

This is a one and a half day class held on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm (one hour for lunch) on the first Saturday and 9am-12pm on the second Saturday 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
•   Breastfeeding class is also included, but taken separately.

 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.

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.

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).  

Schedule: One four-hour class, quarterly, on a Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. 

2012: May 20, July 22, Sept 30, Dec 9