Childbirth and Infant Care Classes

MDH offers a full range of childbirth and infant care classes designed to make each family member’s experience the best that it can be. From breathing and relaxation techniques to breast feeding, baby care, and child safety, the OB staff will help you and your support person prepare for the arrival of your newborn. There is also a sibling class for big brothers or sisters and a cesarean section class for those who wish to have their support person in the operating room if surgery is necessary. A brief description of each class is outlined below, as well as links to helpful resources on the internet.

L.A.T.E Prenatal Class
The purpose of the L.A.T.E class offered at MDH is to provide appropriate information that is needed to prepare both mother's and their support person on the four stages of labor (Latent, Active, Transition, and Expulsion) leading to the delivery of the baby. The information given during this class will be presented in a non-threatening way, and at a level that all the participants will be able to understand. The nurses who teach this class will be certain to provide factual information verses the commonly heard myths and old 'wives tales.' The class will incorporate a variety of breathing and relaxation techniques that may help the process of each stage of labor become as manageable as possible. The overall goal of this class is to decrease the anxiety of the mother and her partner. In addition, providing encouragement to the mother and maintaining a positive attitude during these stages of labor is essential.

Sibling Class
The sibling class is offered to help the older brother or sister better understand what to expect with the arrival of a new baby into their family. Hands-on activities as well as interactive play and a video will be included in the class to help children understand the importance of their role in the family with the addition of the new baby. Parents are also educated on ways in which their older sibling can help and be included with small tasks for the new baby. This class incorporates ways for moms, dads, brothers, and sisters to grow as a family as the new baby arrives into the world.

Cesarean-section Class
The C-section class is held to educate mothers and their partners on different aspects of a cesarean section delivery. The C-section class educates the family on the common reasons for a cesarean section delivery as well as ways in which to help prevent the need of a cesarean section delivery. This class will also explain what will occur during the surgery as well as giving a detailed explanation of post- operation procedures. This class is strongly recommended for those who wish to have their support person join them in the operating room.

Breastfeeding Class
The breastfeeding class at MDH is offered as both an educational practice as well as a health promotional aspect. The purpose of this class is to give an overall understanding of breastfeeding by encouraging and promoting the practice. The class will provide a basic understanding of both the benefits of breastfeeding as well as the potential risks of not breastfeeding. The overall goal of this class is to promote ways of making breastfeeding a successful experience for both mommy and her baby.

Postpartum Care and Understanding Your Newborn Class
The purpose of the postpartum care class is to educate new mothers and their partners on both emotional and physical changes that may be expected after the birth of their baby. New changes the baby will go through, when your healthcare provider should be contacted, as well as family planning will all be discussed in the class. The importance of rest is also strongly emphasized in the class and the reasons for this will follow as well. The goal of this class is to positively prepare moms and their partners for this new bundle of joy and the basic educational essentials involved.

Child Safety Class
The purpose of the child safety class is to educate parents on their newborn baby’s safety in their homes, cars, and environment. The primary focus of the class in on car seat safety; poison control; choking hazards; child-proofing your home; and immunizations for your infant. The goal of this class is to prepare parents for ways they can provide a safe living and traveling environment for their new baby. A certified child passenger safety technician will also be available to answer any questions parents may have about car seat safety and demonstrate proper child safety seat usage.

For a schedule of Childbirth and Infant Care Classes, download a copy of the 2009 brochure or the 2010 brochure.

For more information about the Obstetrics Department, to sign up for childbirth classes, or to schedule a tour, call (309) 836-1570.

Below are links to recommended resources on the internet to help answer commonly asked questions:

Am I in labor?

What should I bring to the hospital?

What are my pain options?

How can I prepare my child for the new baby?

What should I know about a cesarean-section delivery?

How and why should I breastfeed my baby?

How can I keep my family safe?