Great Classes

Now Is the Time....To Take classes!

Saint Elizabeth offers an extensive variety of classes to meet your family's needs during pregnancy, birth and adjusting to parenthood.  For a complete listing of classes and dates, call the TLC line at Saint Elizabeth at 219-7000.

Our Prepared Childbirth classes are recommended for everyone! They are taught by Certified  Childbirth educators.

All Saint Elizabeth classes offer the best variety of childbirth techniques. 

  • Saint Elizabeth offers traditional 6-week series of Prepared Childbirth classes, or
  • Childbirth Express series that lasts either four 3--hour sessions [less practice time] or 2 all-day Saturdays. 
  • Prepared Childbirth classes for single moms, and
  • Prepared childbirth classes with a Christian focus. Parent's Preparing In Christ is a non-denominational class, includes scripture references for couples relating to coping with pain in childbirth, helping us cope in time of trial, and help for parenting. 
    u Childbirth Refresher series---3-week series
    u Refresher Childbirth Express---a one-night course for those who have taken a full Prepared Childbirth class within the last three years

"Just the Facts" is an exciting new 2-week educational offering for expectant parents planning a cesarean birth or for those who were told by their health care provider that they have a high probability of needing epidural anesthesia for their vaginal birth.  This class is not a replacement for Prepared Childbirth, as it does not include any discussion and/or practice time of labor coping techniques.  It does include an over view of the stages of labor and birth, cesarean birth information, anesthesia use, and recovery after anesthesia use, as well as information about the NICU at Saint Elizabeth.

Multiples is for those with twins, triplets or more in your future. Information on unique pregnancy care for multiples, the NICU, breastfeeding and parenting more than one child at a time, are all included in this 2-night class.

Breastfeeding instruction is offered in either our 3-week class series, or a 1-class session on Breastfeeding Basics, or Breastfeeding and Working.

Infant Care and CPR classes at Saint Elizabeth provide the opportunity to learn basic newborn care for those first few weeks at home. A pediatric health care provider shares information on health issues related to caring for your newborn. Includes information on car seats and learning CPR for infants! 

Birth at Saint Elizabeth would not be complete without providing education to other family members.  Special class sessions are available for:
u Dads-to-be;
u Another Baby's Coming Soon (ABC's) for sibling classes 3-7 years olds,
u Older Sibling classes for 7-10 year olds [with Big Brother or Big Sister t-shirt!]
u Tot Tours for 2- and 3-year olds [with Big Brother or Big Sister t-shirt!]
 All include a tour of the Family Birth Center.

Car Seat Checks
Saint Elizabeth now offer an opportunity to have your car seat installed or your installation checked by a certified technician!  Make your baby's world safer---call for your individualized appointment.  Installation and education takes approximately 30 minutes.
For any of the above classes or information, contact TLC at 219-7000 or go into our CLASSES section in this website.

Prenatal Classes Are Important!
No one can predict what your labor and birth will be like.  It's impossible to explain to a mom how she will feel during labor, how long her labor will last, or what will happen during birth. Participation in Prepared Childbirth classes will at least provide parents-to-be with important tools to help, not only with birth, but also in parenting.  Skills such as relaxation, slow breathing, communicating with your spouse, support of each other during stressful times, are included.
Decreasing fear
We know that the pain experienced in childbirth increases with tension and fear. Research shows we can decrease that fear with education about the birth process and a supportive person in labor. Practicing labor coping techniques will help you relax and help the hormones in your body work more effectively to help the cervix thin out and open up for the birth.  Lessened tension will result in a more positive birth experience.          
       
While participation in prepared childbirth classes will not guarantee you a painless childbirth or that you will not need any medication. But the classes will allow you to know your options and to better participate in decisions related to your birth.

At Saint Elizabeth we present information and options, in an unbiased manner, for you to consider for your birth experience! 

Take me back to: 7 months pregnant