Classes, peer group offer resources for moms
What does labor and delivery look like? What is an epidural? How will I know how to help my baby breastfeed? These are all questions new and expecting moms find themselves wondering. In order to help answer those questions and the many others that arise during and after a pregnancy, Sheridan Memorial Hospital offers childbirth education classes to help expectant parents learn what is ahead of them.
“We want to help parents have the very best start with their baby. Parents may have an idea of what to expect, but attending these classes helps bring their birth plan to life – alleviating fears and misconceptions. The better-prepared parents are for the birth and the more they know what’s ahead of them, the more they will be able to relax and enjoy their new baby,” according to Josie Fagerland, Women’s Health Registered Nurse and Prenatal Class instructor.
Specially trained nurses teach two different classes year-round at no charge. They discuss common fears, concerns, problems and myths surrounding the wonder of childbirth. There is a specific focus on labor, birthing and breastfeeding. Since the classes are held throughout the year, expectant parents can attend a class whenever it is convenient for them. Often, they choose to attend when they are in the second or third trimester of their pregnancy. In addition, Sheridan Memorial Hospital staff have partnered with other community organizations to create a Moms Supporting Moms peer support group.
Prenatal classes
In the Prenatal Class, a nurse talks expectant parents through the stages of labor, vaginal and cesarean delivery as well as how to care for themselves after the baby is born. Some of the topics covered include: changes your body might go through, when to come to the hospital, what to bring, signs of labor, pain management, cervical exams, fetal monitoring and what to expect during labor. The class culminates with a tour of the hospital’s birthing unit, which provides an opportunity to meet the caring, compassionate staff in the Women’s Health Department.
The Prenatal Class is typically held on the first Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Outpatient Center second floor conference room located at 1333 W. Fifth St.
Breastfeeding and newborn care class
In this two-hour class, a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) from the Women’s Health team talks through the basics of breastfeeding and care of the newborn. Though breastfeeding is natural it is not always naturally easy. Latching a baby onto the breast and caring for a newborn is learned and requires an immense amount of support early in the process. The CLC will provide clear and accurate breastfeeding and newborn care information for the “soon-to-be” mother and her support, allowing the baby’s family to feel better prepared and more empowered to care for themselves and their newborn(s). The class covers breastfeeding expectations, strategies for success and how to avoid or navigate complications. Topics include lactation processes, latch and latching techniques, nipple and breast care, breast pumps and pumping, diet considerations, transition of the newborn after delivery, newborn behavior, newborn screenings, elective procedures, diaper care and basic car seat safety.
The Breastfeeding and Newborn Care Class is typically held on the third Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the hospital’s Outpatient Center second floor conference room located at 1333 W. Fifth St.
Moms Supporting Moms
Bringing home a new baby often brings joy, and sometimes new parents also experience feelings such as anxiety, sadness and being overwhelmed. These feelings can be isolating and difficult to manage.
In order to support new mothers, Sheridan Memorial Hospital has partnered with other community entities to organize Moms Supporting Moms, a facilitated peer group. Topics discussed include birth stories, role transitions, how to keep maternal guilt from sabotaging self care, stress management, communication with family members, choosing child care providers and returning to work.
Moms Supporting Moms meets the first and third Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s Primary Care community conference room, located at 61 S. Gould St.
How to attend
Pre-registration for the childbirth education classes is required. To sign up online for either class, go to sheridanhospital.org and search for “I’m having a baby.” Once you sign up, an instructor will contact you via email before the class with instructions. Classes are free and recommended for parents expecting their first baby and as a refresher class for those parents expecting again. Both partners are encouraged to attend the classes, which are held in the Hospital’s Outpatient Center second floor conference room at 1333 W. Fifth St.
Learn more about our Women’s Health Department, take a video tour and sign-up for classes HERE, or by visiting https://www.sheridanhospital.org/medical-services/womens-health/im-having-baby/
Listen to what Dr. Emily Denny and Jazz Scott share about services available for new moms, including prenatal and lactation classes in a facilitated peer group.
