Elliot WOMEN’S & CHILDREN’S Services
Elliot’s Pediatric/Adolescent Center
Elliot Childbirth and Family Education
ELLIOT CHILDBIRTH AND FAMILY EDUCATION
Whether you’re soon to be a new parent or a growing family, Elliot Childbirth and Family Education provides a variety of programs to assist you along every step of your parenting journey. We offer both prenatal and postnatal classes to help you prepare for life with a new baby. Our highly skilled instructors bring compassion and years of experience to each class.
For a schedule of the classes listed below, or to register, click here or call 663-4567. Since classes fill up fast, we recommend that you register for all classes towards the end of your first trimester.
PRENATAL CLASSES
Boot Camp for New Dads
A program designed to bring new Dads and Dads-to-be
together to discuss the joys and responsibilities of
fatherhood. Discussion includes caring for your
newborn, communicating with your partner, and
preparing for your new family.
Breastfeeding
Certified Lactation Consultants introduce expectant
mothers and their partners to the advantages of
breastfeeding, proper techniques, and what to expect
in the first few weeks at home. Further discussion
includes choosing a breast pump, and collection and
storage of breastmilk.
C-Section Class
This class is designed specifically for parents who are
expecting to have a cesarean birth. The class will
cover the entire process of a cesarean from the time
you come into the hospital, the actual procedure, and
conclude with recovery in the hospital and at home
Great Expectations
This class is designed specifically for parents
expecting more than one newborn Information
pertaining to your multiple pregnancy and birth
experience will be provided.
Infant/Child CPR and Safety
Learn infant and child CPR techniques, as well as
safety issues specific to this age group. Participants
have the opportunity to demonstrate techniques with
the instructor and receive a completion card from
American Heart Association (CPR for Family and
Friends course).
Introduction to Underwater Birth
Underwater birth is an alternative birthing option.
This class includes a discussion of the history of
waterbirths, the benefits of laboring and birthing in
water, and what to expect during the birthing
process. This class is required for an intentional waterbirth.
Labor Series
This childbirth education series prepares the expectant mother and her partner for all aspects of labor and birth. Certified Childbirth Educators will share their knowledge and experience for meeting the challenges of birth. This series will include knowledge of the natural labor process, as well as a variety of coping measures, ranging from relaxation and breathing, to available medical options. A tour of the Maternity Center is included. Elliot Hospital is pleased to offer a comprehensive childbirth program that benefits the entire family. Our programs are designed to help you, the expectant parents, gain as much information as
possible, so you can make informed choices during the birthing process and your journey into parenthood. Classes are offered on an on-going basis and all of our educators are certified in their specialties.
Maternity Tour
A tour of the Maternity Center for expectant parents
who are not attending Elliot’s childbirth classes and
are not familiar with the Elliot Hospital.
Parenting Your Newborn
This class helps prepare parents for their new baby
and their transition into parenthood. Parents-to-be
will learn about normal newborn appearance and
behaviors, procedures after birth, basic care of their
newborn, and changes in life as a new parent.
Refresher Labor Class
This childbirth education class is designed for those
who have experienced a previous birth and wish to
review the labor process. A Certified Childbirth
Educator will review the stages of labor, as well as
pain management and comfort measures. A tour of
the Maternity Center is included. It is highly recommended that you attend the full Labor Series, if you have had considerable time between births, or if your partner has not yet experienced childbirth.
Relaxation and Fitness for the Childbearing Year (Prenatal Yoga)
This series is designed for the pregnant woman and
focuses on gentle yoga movements, breathing
techniques, relaxation methods, and meditation. This
class can be started at any time in the pregnancy
with provider’s permission.
Sibling Class
This class prepares children (2 to 9 years) on
becoming a sibling. They will participate in activities
to learn about the baby and their new role in the
family. A tour of the Maternity Center is included.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarian (VBAC)
This session is designed for pregnant women and
their partners who have experienced a prior
cesarean birth and are considering a vaginal birth.
Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions
and share concerns in a group setting.
POST PREGNANCY CLASSES
Back to Work and Breastfeeding
A Certified Lactation Consultant will address topics
such as, preparing baby for the transition,
maintaining your supply of breast milk, types of
pumps and pumping techniques, use of supplements,
and workplace issues. This class is designed for
mothers and their babies 2 weeks and older.
Boot Camp for New Dads (Part II)
New dads and their babies (6 to 12 weeks) are invited
back to Boot Camp as “veteran” dads to share the joys
and responsibilities of fatherhood with dads-to-be.
Infant Growth and Development
This class will discuss the normal growth and
development of an infant from 6 weeks to one year of
age. Some of the topics addressed will include sleep,
health and nutrition, bonding and attachment,
communication, and baby’s self-esteem.
Mommy and me Stroller Fitness
Give your stroller a workout! This fun class offers
many benefits while you bond with your child: Build
energy levels, relieve stress, improve muscle
strength and tone, control weight, reduce body fat,
and reduce postpartum depression and anxiety. A
unique feature of this program combines the best
available techniques for a group fitness class with
integrated parent-child communication using sights,
sounds, and signs. This innovation offers both a
challenging workout for mom (or dad) and a loving
and enriching experience for baby/toddler.
Mom’s Group
Offered to mothers and their babies as an
opportunity to share and network. Weekly topics will
include, feeding, crying, sleeping, caring for yourself,
growth and development of your baby, dealing with
relationships, managing and preventing illness,
family nutrition, and finding a balance in life. Groups
are led by a Child Life Specialist/Nurse and monthly
guest speakers.
New Baby and Me – newborns to 4 months
Little Ones – 4 months to 8 months
Movers and Shakers – 8 months to 1 year
Postnatal Relaxation for Baby and Me
(Postnatal Yoga)
This program is designed to assist new moms in
their recovery from childbirth and to strengthen the
parent-baby bond. Learn stretches and movements
that enhance flexibility, as well as tone and
strengthen muscles, all while encouraging greater
harmony, ease, security, and serenity. This class is
designed for mothers and their babies 6 weeks to 9
months of age.
Testing Toddler
This workshop explores the normal growth and
development of a child one to three years of age. A
Child Life Specialist will address the challenges of
dealing with such things as sleep, discipline, and
normal behaviors of toddlerhood.
The Parent Connection
Parents are invited to bring their babies (newborns
to 12 months), and discuss issues related to the new
role of parenthood. This is a wonderful opportunity
to share and network with other families.
