Education for a healthy pregnancy and birthing experience
The key to a more satisfying birthing experience? Education. The more you know before going into the hospital, the more comfortable and confident you’ll be during this life-changing event. Lancaster General’s childbirth classes, taught by certified educators, can play an important part in that preparation.
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Lisa Reitz of Lititz says the Basic
Childbirth Class at Lancaster General
helped prepare her for a more satifying
birthing experience when her daughter
Hannah was born in 2001. |
“The role of the childbirth educator is to be the family’s advocate, informing them about what to expect during their birth experience,” says Joanna Boyer, RN, Childbirth Education Coordinator. “Our goal is to familiarize couples with the natural as well as medical options available for pain relief, so they can feel confident and empowered to make decisions based on this knowledge.”
“Childbirth classes prepare moms-to-be for the whole experience, and what to expect from the onset of labor through delivery,” says George Rung, MD, Anesthesia Associates of Lancaster. “Pain management is just a small part of it.”
The five-session Basic Childbirth Class at Lancaster General Women & Babies Hospital provides you and your birthing partner with information on topics such as:
- growth and development of your baby during pregnancy
- keeping mom healthy
- signs, symptoms, stages and phases of labor
- effective relaxation and breathing techniques
- medical options and practices
- caesarean delivery
- what to expect after your baby is born, and
- a video tour and walk-through of Women & Babies Hospital.
“Even if you’ve made a decision on pain management, it’s important to know what to expect,” Dr. Rung says. “For example, if you’ve decided on an epidural, these classes provide instruction on what is involved.”
“Breathing and relaxation techniques help you stay comfortable before the anesthetic is used,” Joanna adds.
“It’s also good to prepare for the unexpected,” Dr. Rung says. There are times when factors such as a rapid labor prevent a woman from having an epidural. When that happens, understanding labor breathing techniques is critical.
Mothers and fathers or birthing partners are encouraged to enroll following the sixth month of pregnancy to ensure registration. “Dads and coaches should attend the classes, so they know what to expect and learn ways to support the mother-to-be,” Joanna says.
Classes to meet your needs
The Basic Childbirth Class is just one of many valuable programs offered by Women & Babies to help families prepare for their new arrival.
A 11/2-hour Refresher Childbirth Class is offered to couples with children. The class reviews comfort measures, pain control options, breathing/pushing techniques and changes since your last birth.
Expecting twins, triplets or more? A special 21/2-hour Birthing Multiples session will help you deal with the specific issues surrounding your special circumstances. It includes a tour of the NICU.
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In preparation for the arrival of her
new brother, 5-year-old Hannah
Reitz of Lititz completed
the Women & Babies Hospital
Sibling Class. |
To help young children understand what to expect with the arrival of their new brothers or sisters, Women & Babies offers a
Sibling Class for children ages 21/2 – 8. The class includes a first-hand look at a newborn.
Baby Care Basics helps new parents prepare for the responsibilities they will face once they bring their newborn home. It includes instruction on bathing, child-proofing the home, choosing a day care provider and more. An adoptive parents class is also offered.
Women & Babies Hospital offers two breastfeeding programs. In Learning to Breastfeed, mothers learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, practical how-to information and the emotional and physical effects of nursing on mother and baby.
Breastfeeding & Returning to Work/School helps parents plan to provide breast milk while at work or school. Both breastfeeding classes are taught by a certified lactation consultant.
Don’t forget…
Dads and grandparents also have a lot to learn before a new baby’s arrival.
At Fathers Boot Camp, veteran fathers help rookie dads step up to the challenge of fatherhood. They practice baby care skills, network with other fathers and receive support on ways to help mom with the baby.
First-time grandparents and alternate caregivers will learn more about their role in the Grandparenting in the 21st Century class. The class focuses on creating understanding between new parents and grandparents and reviews the latest ideas in obstetrics and child development.
A free Women & Babies Hospital Guided Tour is offered to pregnant couples and their children. Half-hour tours are scheduled twice monthly.
If you’re planning to start a family or if you’re less than four months pregnant, a 21/2-hour Preconception/Early Pregnancy Class offers tips to prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy and other important topics.
Classes are offered regularly, but they fill up fast. Click here to register on-line, or call 800-341-2121.
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