October Women/Infants classes planned

Education sessions, including childbirth, breastfeeding, infant massage, “Happiest Baby,” baby care and sibling, will be offered in October by the Women and Infants Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese.

A sibling class, for children three to 10 years old having a new brother or sister within the next two months, leads off the month at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, in the Heritage Room.

Three childbirth classes are also planned: one-day Prepared from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, Prepared Refresher at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, and three-week Prepared at 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 20, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, all in the Heritage Room.

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 Family in Breese will offer a two-part infant massage class from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays, Oct. 5 and Oct. 12, and a “Happiest Baby“ class from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, in the hospital HealthPlex.

The infant massage class is for babies from birth to about six months old; the instructor is trained by the Loving Touch Foundation.

Certified “Happiest Baby” instructors focus on understanding newborn behavior and strategies to soothe fussy babies. Sessions are appropriate for new or expectant parents, caregivers and daycare providers.

Two breastfeeding education sessions, both lead by a lactation consultant, are planned: a support group at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Women and Infants Center and a class at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Heritage 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.

With a focus on knowing your newborn, moms- and dads-to-be are invited to a Baby Care and Safety Class at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, in the Heritage Room.

For details, a schedule or to register (requested), contact 526-5423 or e-mail Helen Essenpreis.