Childbirth Center Classes
The Childbirth Center offers free childbirth education classes on a monthly basis. Please register for classes 3-4 months before your due date.
Here are a list of some of the classes we offer:
Healthy Pregnancy Class—by appointment
Childbirth Preparation Series
Accelerated/Refresher Childbirth Preparation
Childbirth Preparation for Teens—by appointment
Cesarean Birth Preparation—by appointment
Breastfeeding 1: The Basics
Breastfeeding 2: Maintaining Milk Supply, Pumping and Storing--by appointment
Car Seat Safety
Sibling Class
Learn more about our classes,
click here
Exercise
Regular exercise, with the approval of your physician or midwife, can often help to minimize the physical discomforts during pregnancy and help with the recovery after the baby is born. There is evidence that physical activity may be especially beneficial for women with gestational diabetes. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women who exercised and were physically fit before pregnancy can safely continue exercising throughout the pregnancy. Women who were inactive before pregnancy or who have medical or pregnancy complications should consult with their physician or midwife before beginning any exercise regimen.
Exercise may not be safe if a pregnant woman has any of the following conditions:
- Preterm labor in current or past pregnancies
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cervical problems
- Leaking of amniotic fluid
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Decreased fetal activity or other complications
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Certain health problems, such as high blood pressure or heart disease
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Types of exercise to avoid during pregnancy:
- Horseback riding
- Water skiing
- Scuba diving
- High altitude skiing
- Contact sports
- Any exercise that can cause a serious fall
- Exercising on your back after the first trimester (because of reduced blood flow to the uterus)
- Vigorous exercise in hot, humid weather, as pregnant women are less efficient at exchanging heat
- Exercise involving the Valsalva maneuver (holding one’s breath during exertion), which can cause an increased intra-abdominal pressure
Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drugs
If you use tobacco, it’s time to quit. Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products of any kind during pregnancy can slow your baby’s growth and cause a premature birth. Drinking alcohol and using drugs not approved by your physician during pregnancy can harm your baby. Avoid using any drugs unless specifically approved by a physician or midwife.
Car Seats
Three out of four child safety seats are used incorrectly. Join us for this two hour class to learn how to select and install the right safety seat for your child. Instructors are Child Passenger Safety Certified Technicians. Bring your car seat and instruction manual if already purchased as well as vehicle's owner manual. Please register just one person per family, but bring as many as desired. To register for a Car Seat Safety class,
click here.