Childbirth Education
Pregnancy is a joyous, exciting and sometimes uncertain journey. Education, knowledgeable doctors and staff and a caring atmosphere close to home can make all the difference. At Northwest Health - La Porte, we’re here to make the most memorable nine months of your life go smoothly and to help your pregnancy be a healthy one.
Each month, our prenatal education team will meet with expecting parents to go over the ins and outs of childbirth. Our classes cover a variety of topics, including:
- Childbirth preparation
- Breastfeeding
- Natural childbirth
All classes are free and require registration in advance.
Childbirth Education Class
Topics covered include: prelude to labor, labor, support techniques to assist with labor, vaginal birth, medical procedures, cesarean sections, postpartum care, pain management options, newborn transition, preparations for going home and a tour of the Birthing and Family Care Center at Northwest Health - La Porte. This is for the expectant mother who is interested in a non-medicated birth plan and use of the whirlpool tubs for water labor. This part of the class will provide physical and emotional coping techniques and strategies on how to practice hands-on comfort measures. Class sizes are limited and advanced registration is required. To see our class schedule and register click here and search for Childbirth Classes and Education.
Newborn & Infant Care Class
An interactive class where expectant moms, dads, and their support, friends or family can practice caring for their bundles of joy. Clinical nurse educators with Northwest Health - La Porte’s Birthing and Family Care Center will have mannequins on hand to help review best practices for caring for babies. Topics include: transition of care, skin to skin, newborn tests and procedures, newborn appearance, skin, cord and diaper care, bathing, gagging and choking (bulb syringe use), and proper positioning (safe sleep and tummy time). One additional caregiver is welcome. To see our class schedule and register click here and search for Infant Care Classes.
Breastfeeding Class
Breastfeeding provides benefits to both mom and baby. Studies show that breastfeeding mothers have decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes, and postpartum depression and breastfed babies have increased protection against illnesses and a lower risk of allergies, ear infections, asthma and obesity. This class will help soon-to-be parents learn what to expect with breastfeeding and how to recognize baby’s feeding cues, positioning techniques and problem solving skills. To see our class schedule and register click here and search for Breastfeeding Classes and Education.