Women and Infants Center plans classes for May

A variety of classes will be offered during May by the Women and Infants Center at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese.

Leading off the month, at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 1, a Baby Maintenance and Safety class will focus on infant care, behavior, bathing, safety and car seats.

Also during the upcoming weeks, a one-day Prepared Childbirth class will be offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 3, a Prepared Childbirth Refresher is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, and a three-week Prepared Childbirth class is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesdays, May 27, June 3 and June 10.

All three classes—one-day, three-week or refresher—provide information to decrease anxiety and fears associated with labor and delivery. Topics include relaxation, comfort measures, variations of normal labor and delivery, Caesarean births, risks and benefits of medication.

Two sessions focusing on breastfeeding are planned for May: the Breastfeeding Support Group is scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, in the Lower Level Conference Room, and the Breastfeeding Class is set for 7 p.m. Monday, May 12, in the Heritage Room. Both are lead by lactation consultants.

The support 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. Sessions will cover a variety of topics ; discussion will provide information, encouragement and support.

The class is offered for parents who are considering or have decided to breastfeed.

A Sibling Class, for children three to 10 years old and having a new brother or sister within the next eight weeks, is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 22.

All classes are in the hospital Heritage Room unless otherwise posted. The Breastfeeding Support Group meets in the Lower Level Conference Room.

For more information, a class schedule or to register (requested), contact 526-5423 or email Deb Wuebbels.