MDH Offers Free Childbirth Classes

MACOMB, Ill. – McDonough District Hospital offers a full range of childbirth and infant care classes designed to enhance each family’s experience when welcoming a new baby.

A free 4-week L.A.T.E. Childbirth Instruction class occurs on Thursday evenings, running March 4, 11, 18, and 25. This four-class series will be held from 7-9 p.m. in the MDH Auditorium, located on the lower level of the hospital. The series will explain the stages of labor: Latent, Active, Transition, and Expulsion (L.A.T.E.), as well as breathing and relaxation techniques to make each phase of labor as manageable as possible. Taught by experienced obstetric nurses, the series will use games and humor to make this a rewarding experience for the participant and her support person.

Additional classes for expectant families include the: Breastfeeding Class (April 1), Postpartum Care and Understanding Your Newborn (April 8), Cesarean Section Class (April 15), and Sibling Class (May 8) for future "big brothers" or "big sisters”.

The L.A.T.E. Class Series is also offered in an 8-hour session on Saturday, April 3. Running 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., this class provides the same information offered in the 4-week L.A.T.E. series. There will be several short breaks during the class, as well as a 30-minute lunch break.

MDH provides childbirth classes online as well. The internet-based program is a convenient alternative for those who can’t attend an on-site class due to scheduling conflicts, time constraints, or health issues.

For more information or to register for any of these classes, call the MDH Obstetrics Department at (309) 836-1570. Find out more about our online childbirth classes at www.MDH.org.