Childbirth Classes

All St. Mary childbirth classes are free. Register by calling 509-525-3320, ext. 5904. All classes meet in the Providence Room or the St. Mary Family Birth Center Quiet Room.

Family Birth Center welcome visit
Parents can get an individual tour of the birth center, develop a plan, and fill out some of the necessary paperwork before entering the hospital as a patient. Learn details on what to expect in the hospital for you and your baby. Call 509-525-3320, ext. 5904 for an appointment.

Prepared Childbirth Class
This six-week course is designed for moms and dads during their 28th to 30th  week of pregnancy.  It will cover numerous topics including physical changes during pregnancy, comfort measures, exercises, anatomy and physiology of labor and birth, pain management, newborn care, breastfeeding and what to expect after the delivery. It is from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Providence Room. A tour is included with the class.

Thursdays      Jan.  3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Feb. 7                                                       
Wednesdays   Jan. 16, 23, 30; Feb. 13, 20, 27
Thursdays      Feb. 14, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20
Wednesdays   March 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9, 16
Thursdays      March 27; April 3, 10, 17, 24; May 1
Wednesdays   May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11
Thursdays       May 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12
Wednesdays    June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23
Thursdays       June 19, 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24
Thursdays        July 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28; Sept. 4
Wednesdays    Aug 6, 13, 20, 27; Sept. 3, 10
Thursdays         Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2, 9, 16
Wednesdays     Sept. 24; 0ct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29      
Thursdays         Oct. 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20; Dec. 4
 Wednesdays     Nov; 5, 12, 19; Dec 3, 10, 17

Clases prenatales  (Spanish classes)
Se reunen una vez por semana por siete semanas. Se cubren los topícos: El embarazo y las etapas del parto. Una gira del centro de nacimiento, y otros topícos. Películas y ejercícios están incluídos. Las clases son de 7 a 9 p.m. y corren por siete semanas comenzando en:
 
Enero 2
Febrero 20
Mayo 28
Julio 16
Agosto 27           
Octubre 22

Clases para hermanos, llame para cita. Llame al hospital Santa María para más información 509-525-3320, ext. 2380

Breastfeeding Class
Taught by a registered nurse certified in lactation, this class addresses the art and benefits of breastfeeding. Topics include how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk and preventing common breastfeeding problems. It is included as the fourth class in the Prepared Childbirth series, and is from 7 to 9 p.m.

Jan. 24 
Feb. 13
March 6
April 2
April 17
May 28
May 29
July 9
July 10
Aug. 21
Aug. 27
Oct. 2
Oct. 15
Nov. 13
Dec. 3
       
Newborn Care Class
This class is part of the six-week series and a perfect refresher for experienced parents, grandparents and others who want to know more about taking care of a newborn. Topics covered include: bathing, diapering, feeding your baby, normal newborn characteristics, infant safety, nursing equipment, and when to call your pediatrician. It will meet from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Providence Room.
 
Jan 31
Feb 20
March 13
April 9
April 24
June 4
June 5
July 16
July 17
Aug. 28
Sept. 3
Oct. 9
Oct. 22
Nov. 20   
Dec. 10

Refresher Childbirth Education
A perfect class for experienced parents who just need a refresher course.  This class meets one Tuesday a month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Family Birth Center Quiet Room.

Jan. 8
Feb. 5
March 4
April 1
May 6
June 3   
July 1
Aug. 5
Sept. 2
Oct. 7
Nov. 4
Dec. 2

Childbirth Education Express
This class is designed for busy mothers and labor partners who want to learn and practice labor techniques, but who may not have time to take a series of classes. Some homework is required. Those who sign up will receive a pre-class packet to study together before attending class. Classes will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. in the Providence Room. A light lunch will be served.
Sunday, Feb. 24
Saturday, May 3
Sunday, Aug. 3
Saturday, Oct. 18     

Childbirth Education to Go
Childbirth Education  to Go is a great option for people who cannot fit conventional classes into their schedules, as well as for mothers who must stay home on bed rest because of pregnancy complications. Call 509-525-3320, ext. 5904.

Nursing Mothers with Busy Schedules
This one session class is designed for the mom with a busy schedule, whether she is returning to work or busy at home. It offers practical tips on choosing a breast pump, establishing a milk supply and managing a pump routine. It can be taken before or after the birth of your baby. The class meets on the following Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Family Birth Center Quiet Room.

Jan. 9
March 5
April 30
June 11
July 30
Sept. 17
Nov. 5
        
I Was Here First – Sibling Class
This one hour class is recommended for children ages 3 and up, with their parents.  It covers becoming a big brother or sister, and how to adapt to a new baby at home.  It is held in the Providence Room.

Jan 15, 4:30 p.m.
Feb. 9, 2 p.m.
March 11, 4:30 p.m.
April 13, 2 p.m.
May 13, 4:30 p.m.
June 14, 2 p.m.
July 8, 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 10, 2 p.m.
Sept. 9, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 11, 2 p.m.
Nov. 18, 4:30 p.m.
Dec. 14, 2 p.m.
       
Mother /Baby Support Group
Would you like to get together with other mothers and their babies?  This group meets in the Family Birth Center Quiet Room every Monday from 12 to 2 p.m., except holidays.  Registration is not required. A nurse attends, and there is a scale available to check your baby’s weight. A light lunch is served.

Meeting Room Locations

Providence Room
The new St. Mary Medical Center Providence Room opened in 2007, and is part of the new Outpatient Procedure Center addition. Enter through the 7th Avenue door, beneath the drive-through. Go down the steps. The Providence Room is down the short hallway to the right.

You also may go in the main St. Mary entrance, take the elevator down to Level I, then follow signs to the cafeteria. Continue past the cafeteria. The Providence Room will be down the short hallway to your left.

Family Birth Center Quiet Room
Take elevator to Level III, turn left, then directly left again. The Quiet Room is the first door on the right, just before the double doors leading into the Family Birth Center.