Childbirth Preparation

This course can be taken at any time, but it’s helpful to finish it a few weeks before baby’s arrival. This 4-week course helps expectant parents prepare for birth and early parenting. Parents can expect to learn about comfort measures for pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. The overall goals of the course are to normalize the birth experience and increase parents’ confidence. It’s possible to perceive birth in a positive way, rise to the occasion, and adjust to whatever presents!

This course includes information about:

• Anatomy and physiology.
• The mind-body connection.
• Signs and stages of labor.
• Patterns associated with normal and more complicated labor.
• Medicated and non-medicated comfort measures.
• Baby positioning strategies.
• Medical interventions associated with complications.
• Strategies for informed decision-making.
• Care of the birthing parent and infant during the first hours, days, and weeks postpartum.
• Hospital procedures related to infant care.
• Breastfeeding.
• Behavior of the infant as it relates to feeding, calming, and sleeping.
• Car seat safety.
• Jaundice, SIDS, ‘purple crying,’ and Post Partum Depression.

Parents will be given information on local resources, books, videos, and websites.

Classes are at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Tuesdays, 6:00-8:15 pm, November 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023. This class can be taken online or in person. Registration is required, and detailed location information will be provided for registration, including a link to the virtual option.

Cost: $110* per pregnant person (partner included). If you have Oregon Health Plan insurance (IHN or Pacific Source), Your plan will cover this class at no cost to you. Please contact Maternity Coordinator Mary Jackson at 541-768-6908. for details.

To register contact Pollywog at 541-917-4884 or pollywogfamily.org.