Women/Infant Center offers childbirth, toddler, other classes

A variety of classes will be offered during the next several weeks by the Women and Infants Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.

Leading off the month will be two breastfeeding sessions: a support group at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 4, in the Women and Infants Center and a class at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, in the Board Room.

The group is for pregnant women, newly delivered and experienced mothers who want more information and/or are interested in talking to others who are nursing; the class is for parents who are considering or have decided to breastfeed. A lactation consultant will lead the sessions.

Childbirth classes are also planned including a Prepared Childbirth Refresher at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, in the Board Room, and a three-week Prepared Childbirth course at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 14, Sept. 21 and Sept. 28, in the Heritage Room. A one-day Prepared Childbirth class is tentatively scheduled for this fall.

Sessions provide information to decrease anxiety and fears. Topics include relaxation, comfort measures, variations of normal labor and delivery, Caesarean births, risks and benefits of medication.

With funding from the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Community Link’s First Step Early Learning & Family Support Program in Breese will offer a “Happiest Baby” class from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, and a “Happiest Toddler” session from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, both at the St. Joseph-Breese HealthPlex.

“Happiest Baby” classes are based on the book, “The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer,” by pediatrician Harvey Karp, MD. During the session, certified instructors will focus on understanding newborn behavior and offer strategies to soothe fussy babies.

“Happiest Toddler” classes are based on the book, “The Happiest Toddler on the Block: How to Eliminate Tantrums and Raise a Patient, Respectful and Cooperative One- to Four-Year-Old,” also by Dr. Karp. During the session, instructors will offer tips and techniques to help parents improve communication and reduce tantrums in their toddler.

“Happiest Baby” classes are appropriate for new or expectant parents; “Happiest Toddler” classes are appropriate for moms and dads with children ages one to four years old. Both classes are open to anyone who cares for one or more infants or toddlers including daycare providers.

Classes are free; an optional DVD that includes class material is available for $15 (cash or check). For those unable to pay, scholarships covering the cost of training materials are available through a grant from Old Newsboys Day, a charitable project of the Suburban Journals of Greater St. Louis. 

Also offered this fall will be Baby Care and Safety, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, and a Sibling Class, set for 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, both in the Heritage Room.

The Sibling Class is for children three to 10 years old expecting a new brother or sister within the next two months; Baby Care and Safety is for moms- and dads-to-be and focuses on knowing his or her newborn.

For details, a schedule or to register (requested), contact 526-5464 or e-mail Helen Essenpreis.