Classes Offered at Vista Women’s Health Maternity Wellness Center
Childbirth Education - This class is free to our patients
This class can be taken by others outside of our practice for a fee of $250
Childbirth education refers to a comprehensive educational program that prepares expectant parents for the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of labor, birth, and the postpartum period. It aims to empower individuals and couples with knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and actively participate in their birthing experience.
The following content is covered in this class:
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the reproductive system, stages of labor, and the physical changes that occur during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Labor and Birth: Exploring the signs of labor, the progression of labor, and delivery.
- Pain Management Options: Discussing both pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief methods, including relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, massage, hydrotherapy, and medical interventions such as epidurals.
- Medical Interventions: Providing information about common medical interventions that may be offered during labor, such as induction, assisted delivery (vacuum), and cesarean birth, including risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Postpartum Recovery: Discussing the physical and emotional changes that occur in the postpartum period, self-care strategies, newborn care, and the adjustment to parenthood.
It is generally recommended that expectant parents start attending childbirth education classes during the second or third trimester to allow sufficient time for learning and preparation.
Breastfeeding Class - This class is free to our patients
This class can be taken by others outside of our practice for a fee of $150
Our breastfeeding class is an educational program designed to provide expectant parents with knowledge, skills, and support to successfully breastfeed their infants. This class aims to empower parents by equipping them with the necessary information and techniques to establish a positive breastfeeding experience.
The content of the breastfeeding class cover the following topics:
- Benefits of Breastfeeding: Explaining the numerous advantages of breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother, including nutritional benefits, bonding, immune system support, and long-term health benefits.
- Anatomy and Physiology of Breastfeeding: Understanding the anatomy of the breast, the milk production process, and how breastfeeding works, including the baby’s latch and suckling reflexes.
- Establishing a Good Milk Supply: Providing information on how to establish and maintain an adequate milk supply, including tips for initiating breastfeeding in the early days and managing common challenges like engorgement or low milk supply.
- Breastfeeding Techniques and Positions: Demonstrating various breastfeeding positions that promote effective latch and optimal milk transfer, such as cradle hold, cross-cradle hold, football hold, and laid-back breastfeeding.
- Signs of Effective Feeding: Educating parents on how to recognize signs that their baby is getting enough milk, including feeding frequency, duration, and weight gain patterns.
- Overcoming Challenges: Addressing common breastfeeding challenges such as sore nipples, engorgement, mastitis, and how to troubleshoot and seek support when facing difficulties.
- Breastfeeding and Nutrition: Discussing the nutritional needs of breastfeeding mothers, including recommendations for a balanced diet, hydration, and the use of supplements.
- Pumping and Storing Breast Milk: Providing guidance on expressing and storing breast milk, including information on choosing and using breast pumps, establishing a pumping routine, and safe storage guidelines.
- Partner and Family Support: Emphasizing the importance of partner and family support in breastfeeding success, including ways partners can assist with breastfeeding, understanding their role, and addressing common concerns or misconceptions.
- Returning to Work or School: Discussing strategies for balancing breastfeeding with employment or educational commitments, including pumping at work, maintaining milk supply, and understanding legal protections for breastfeeding mothers.
Fourth Trimester Friday - This class is free to our patients
This class can be taken by others outside of our practice for a fee of $300
“Fourth Trimester Friday” is a support program designed to address the unique needs and challenges that parents and newborns face after birth. It is often referred to as the “fourth trimester” because it recognizes the significant developmental changes and adjustments that occur for both parents and babies during this postpartum period.
This group typically consists of a small group of mothers who come together regularly to share experiences, receive guidance, and learn valuable information about navigating the early postpartum period. Fourth Trimester Friday is generally led by our board certified lactation consultant, or staff member with expertise in newborn care and postpartum support.
Prenatal Preparedness Class - Comfort Measures, Hospital Procedures, and Newborn Care
3 hour class – $250 – includes educational materials
The Prenatal Preparedness class is designed to empower expectant parents with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the final stages of pregnancy, labor, and newborn care. This comprehensive class focuses on comfort measures during the third trimester and labor, provides insights into what to expect at the hospital, and sheds light on the various procedures performed on newborns after delivery.
During the class, you will learn a wide range of comfort measures specifically tailored for the third trimester and labor. These measures encompass relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, position changes, and other strategies to help manage pain and discomfort effectively. You will gain practical skills and valuable insights to promote a more comfortable and positive birthing experience for both the mother and the baby.
Understanding what to expect at the hospital during labor and delivery is crucial for expectant parents. In this class, you will receive a comprehensive overview of the typical hospital procedures and protocols. From admission to postpartum care, you will gain insights into the different stages of labor, medical interventions that may be used, and the role of healthcare professionals throughout the process. This knowledge will enable you to feel more confident and informed, facilitating effective communication and decision-making during your hospital stay.
Additionally, the class will cover the procedures and care provided to newborns immediately after delivery. You will learn about the standard newborn assessments, including Apgar scoring, temperature checks, and physical examinations. We will explore common interventions such as eye ointment, vitamin K shot, and newborn screening tests, helping you understand their purpose, benefits, and potential risks. This knowledge will empower you to actively participate in your baby’s care and make informed choices regarding their well-being.
Led by experienced prenatal educators, this class combines informative presentations, interactive discussions, and practical demonstrations to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of comfort measures, hospital expectations, and newborn procedures. Whether you are a first-time parent or seeking a refresher, this class will equip you with the knowledge and confidence necessary to navigate the final stages of pregnancy, labor, and early newborn care.
Join us for the Prenatal Preparedness class and embark on your journey to parenthood feeling empowered, informed, and ready for the transformative experience ahead.
