Holzer offers a variety of Childbirth and Parenting Education Classes

“Holzer Women’s and Birthing Center is happy to announce a variety of classes for our new mothers, current mothers, and even our new grandparents,” stated Susan Rowe, RN, MSN, Director, Women and Children Services, Holzer Gallipolis. “All of these classes are taught by staff members who have had special education and training. Our course content is developed with the support of our medical team, who meet the highest certification standards in the nation.” 

“We have also been fortunate to recently add Lactation Consultants to our services,” continued Rowe. “Stephanie Carroll, BS, IBCLC, CLC, CLS, and Krista Shorey, FNP, IBCLC, are both available to provide outpatient services at our locations.” A lactation consultant is a health professional who specializes in the clinical management of breastfeeding. “This is a much needed service for the women of our communities. Krista and Stephanie are passionate about educating individuals on the benefits of breastfeeding and offering support when it is needed most.”

Classes now available include: Breastfeeding Refresher, Breastfeeding Myths, Comprehensive Breastfeeding, Comprehensive Childbirth, Childbirth Refresher, Friday Night Date Night, Grandparents Class, Infant CPR, Mentoring Mommy, and When Breastfeeding Doesn’t Go As Planned. 

Breastfeeding Refresher – For those returning to breastfeeding, a refresher class to prepare yourself for breastfeeding again. Topics include:

· Basic Breastfeeding Tips

· Latch/Positioning Refresher

· Skin to Skin Benefits

· Tips to Breastfeeding and Juggling Parenting Another Child

Dates for this class in 2017: July 12, August 16, September 13, October 18, November 8, and December 6. Class is held in the French 500 Room at Holzer Gallipolis at 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm unless notified of change.

Breastfeeding Myths – As a new mom, you’re going to hear a lot of advice – sometimes conflicting advice! Help us help you figure out what information is correct and what is outdated advice. Topics Include: 

· Will it Hurt?

· What to Eat

· Making Enough Milk

· When Baby Gets Teeth

Dates for this class in 2017: June 28, August 30, October 25, and December 13. Class is held in the French 500 Room at Holzer Gallipolis at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm unless notified of change.

Comprehensive Breastfeeding – This class provides the tools for successful breastfeeding necessary to feel confident and comfortable once the baby arrives. Topics include: 

· Benefits of Breastfeeding

· Normal Baby Behavior

· How to Latch/Position Baby

· How to Establish Milk Supply

· Hunger Cues in Baby

· Skin to Skin Benefits

Dates for this class in 2017: July 11, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 21, and December 19. Class is held in Conference Room AB at Holzer Gallipolis at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Comprehensive Childbirth – This class provides the tools to prepare a new mother on what to expect during childbirth. Class is held in Conference Room AB at Holzer Gallipolis unless notified of change.

 Topics include: 

· Signs of Labor

· When to Go To the Hospital

· Stages of Labor

· Techniques for a Smooth Delivery (Pain Management)

· What to Expect at Holzer Birthing Center

· Skin to Skin Benefits

2017 Dates for this class:  July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 12, and December 10 (All Sundays) at 2pm to 5 pm

2017 Dates for this class: June 26, July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23, and November 27 from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm.

Childbirth Refresher – For those who have had a baby before, a refresher to prepare for childbirth. Dates for this class are to be determined. More information will be shared as soon as available. Topics will include:

· What to Expect During Labor

· Techniques for a Smooth Delivery (Pain Management)

· What to Expect at Holzer Birthing Center

· Skin to Skin Benefits

· Tips to Breastfeeding and Juggling Parenting Another Child

Friday Night Date Night – Spend an evening learning about childbirth and breastfeeding in a relaxing, positive environment! If you have an older child, there will be a sibling class offered at the same time to help prepare Big Brother or Big Sister on what it is like to have a baby sibling at home.  Topics include: 

· Basic Childbirth Preparation 

· Basic Breastfeeding Techniques

· Sibling Class

Dates for this class in 2017: June 30, July 28, August 11, September 15. 6-9 pm Class is held in Conference Room AB and C at Holzer Gallipolis.

Grandparents Class – Are you going to be a new grandparent? Things have changed just a little since your little one was born. Help us refresh your memory and give new information on current recommendations, so you can be the best supporter for your child. Topics include: 

· How to be a Support Person during the Labor Process

· Recommendations on Infant Feeding

· What to Expect at the Holzer Birthing Center

· Normal Baby Behavior

Dates for this class in 2017: September 21 and December 18 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm in the Holzer Gallipolis French 500 Room. 

Infant CPR – Learn the basic CPR skills needed for infants. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are recommended to take this class. This class covers: 

· How to Perform Lifesaving Skills for an Infant

· Working with Mannequin to Demonstrate Infant CPR

Dates to be offered in 2017: June 21, July 5, August 9, September 20, October 11, November 1, November 15, and December 20. Each class is from 6:30pm to 8:30pm and is held in the Holzer Gallipolis French 500 Room except on August 9 and October 11, which will be held in Conference Room D.

Mentoring Mommy – Holzer is teaming up with community resources such as WIC and Help Me Grow to offer a Breastfeeding Support Group where moms that are breastfeeding successfully will be invited to come and “Mentor a Mommy.” This group is designed for breastfeeding moms that have questions or concerns or just want to meet fellow breastfeeding moms.

Dates for Support Group in 2017: July 22, August 19, September 16, October 14, November 18, and December 16. Support Group is held in Conference Room D at Holzer Gallipolis at 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. 

When Breastfeeding Doesn’t Go As Planned – Learn how to manage breastfeeding problems and recognize when to see a lactation consultant. Topics Include: 

· Thrush

· Tongue Tie

· Plugged Ducts/Mastitis

· Low Milk Supply

Dates for this class in 2017: July 26, September 27, and November 29.  Class is held in the French 500 Room at Holzer Gallipolis at 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

Holzer Birthing and Women’s Center is created with the entire family in mind. New mothers enjoy privacy, skilled care, and the latest technology in a comfortable and relaxed setting, all supported by a compassionate healthcare team. Holzer’s Birthing and Women's Center offers a nurturing environment that features private rooms before, during, and after delivery. The entire family is encouraged to be a part of this great experience. Following the birth of your baby, we offer private post-partum rooms, complete with a king-size bed and other decorative surroundings. A number of special accommodations are offered in our spacious birthing suites, such as a master bath with Jacuzzi, and a private family waiting room. For more information on any of these classes or the Lactation Services, please visit www.holzer.org, or call (740) 446-5030.