Preparation for Childbirth
Lamaze Classes
Description of Class
For all first-time moms and their partners, this class covers stages and phases of labor, what to expect physically and emotionally and the importance of labor support. Emphasis on comfort measures, breathing techniques, relaxation, and positions. Even if you are thinking of using pain medications, comfort measures can be very helpful.
Become an active part in the decisions that affect you and your baby. Learn about induction of labor, unplanned cesareans, fetal monitoring and more. Whether you are planning on using pain medication, an epidural, or just want to understand the available options to make an informed decision. This class puts into practice all the skills and knowledge that you have gained for your birth.
Class Schedule
All classes are held at Franklin Memorial Hospital in the Day Surgery Waiting Room.Please sign up early (about 20 - 24 weeks pregnant), so you can plan to start class when you are about 30 weeks pregnant.
To register for the classes, call Charlene Colwell, RNC at 592-5915 or call the Birth Unit at 779-2295 or register online.
Cost
The cost is $30.00 for the three class series.
Centering Pregancy
What is Centering Pregnancy all about?
Expectant moms can participate in their prenatal care as never before, thanks to the Centering Pregnancy program, a new approach to pregnancy care at Pine Tree Women’s Care.
It’s about Support
You will be in a group with several other women whose due dates are close to yours. The groups form around 16 weeks of pregnancy. In each of the ten sessions, you will have a private examination with your health care provider. Then you’ll have refreshments and meet as a group to discuss questions, concerns, and solutions. Each woman is encouraged to bring her partner or another support person.
It’s about Self-Care
You’ll learn to take your own blood pressure and weight and enter the information into your charts. You’ll receive information and tools to make healthier choices for you, your baby, and your whole family.
It’s about Women
You’ll meet other expectant moms and have a chance to share stories and learn from one another. You’ll have a chance to talk about health issues that are important to you, including physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. You’ll be together every month at first, then as the birth of your baby approaches, you’ll meet every two weeks.
It’s about Time
You’ll receive a schedule of all the group times at the beginning of your session. This makes it easy to arrange child care or meet work obligations. Every minute of your time will be occupied, not spent sitting alone in a waiting or examination room.
Developing a Support Network
Certified nurse midwife Daisy Goodman, or certified nurse practitioner Susan Tinguely will facilitate the groups along with a Pine Tree Women’s Care office nurse. Being able to meet together with the same group of expectant parents allows for continued sharing and development of a support network, which often extends well into the child rearing period.
A Sampling of Topics of Discussion
- Changes of pregnancy
- Nutrition
- Prenatal testing
- Exercise
- Childbirth
- Infant care
- Breast and bottle feeding
- Relationship issues
- Abuse
- Parenting
- Postpartum concerns
Individual Consultation
Individual consultation with your doctor, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife is always available if you miss a Centering session or if you have a medical problem that needs attention.
