Licking Memorial Health Systems - Measurably different...for your health
Childbirth and Parenting Educational Programs

Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Maternity Services offers a variety of childbirth and parenting programs that prepare expectant mothers, their coaches and families for labor, delivery and postpartum care.  The educational programs give parents and caregivers the information and skills needed to transition smoothly from birth to caring for their baby at home.  The classes are provided through First Impressions and cover various topics, including labor and delivery, newborn and infant care, and breastfeeding.

Designed for pregnant women and their support coaches, the Childbirth Education Class includes instruction on methods that assist with comfort and relaxation.  Participants learn about breathing techniques and what to expect during labor, delivery and postpartum.  If desired, mothers may bring a pillow and blanket for comfort, and healthy snacks are provided.  Classes are currently offered in-person and virtually.

As part of the LMH Breastfeeding Promotion and Support program, the Prenatal Breastfeeding Basics Class teaches expectant parents the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies, while offering support during pregnancy and after birth.  Mothers who participate in the program receive clinical support, encouragement, and the skills training necessary to establish effective breastfeeding from a Certified Lactation Consultant.  In addition, mothers who are now nursing are invited to attend the Breastfeeding Mothers Support Group.  During the meetings, mothers discuss breastfeeding issues and share tips for feeding their infants.  The group is facilitated by a LMH International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who will answer questions and provide resources as needed.  LMH is recognized as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility and offers breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies successfully.  Baby-Friendly USA, Inc., is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund.

To support families after the birth of their baby, LMH offers several classes on how to care for newborns.  The Mother-baby Basics program features discussions on infant growth and development, infant stimulation, newborn care, infant and child safety, and CPR.
 
To prepare expecting fathers for the arrival of their first baby, LMH offers Boot Camp for New Dads.  This unique experience is led by men who completed the program themselves.  “Veteran” dads demonstrate basic child care, such as burping, changing, swaddling, feeding, and comforting a crying baby, and share with “rookie” fathers what they found to be the most important or challenging aspects of fatherhood from their own experiences.  Two certified Master Coaches facilitate each class, which lasts approximately three hours.  The first hour features discussion on various topics, including becoming a dad, forming a new family, and caring for new moms.  In the second hour, rookies divide into smaller groups to spend a block of time with different veterans.  The class concludes with an hour-long session that allows the veteran dads to offer the rookies advice about any questions or concerns that have not been addressed to that point.  As a result, dads will leave the class feeling more confident and ready to be a team with the baby’s mother.  

The Sibling Preparation Class helps older siblings understand their place within the family.  Designed for children ages 2 to 8, the class includes a discussion of the newborn’s appearance and what to expect when visiting mom and new baby.  Grandparenting classes offer expectant grandparents and other caregivers information on infant care, focusing on changes in the best and safest practices for caring for infants in recent years.

All classes are offered free of charge and require registration.  For more information or to register for classes, expecting parents, their families and caregivers may call (220) 564-3388 or email firstimpressions@LMHealth.org.  Online registration is also available through the Classes & Events calendar at LMHealth.org/Calendar.

| Posted On : 3/7/2022 4:00:04 PM