For more information contact:
Sue Larson
Director of OB/GYN
715-735-4200, ext. 4049

(Marinette, Wis.) – Bay Area Medical Center is offering a series of prepared childbirth classes free of charge for expectant parents. All classes are held in the Michigan/Superior Rooms at Bay Area Medical Center and last between 2 to 2 ½ hours.

A Breastfeeding class will be held January 19 at 4:00 p.m. This class provides mothers with in-depth instructions on how to be successful. It can be helpful for those who have breastfed before, those who will be starting for the first time, and for those who have had concerns with breastfeeding from a previous pregnancy.

A Baby Care class will be held January 26 at 6:00 p.m. This class shows how to bathe a baby and gives general information on safety, circumcision, formula feeding and newborn care. Parents will learn what to expect and how to prepare for their newborn.

A Sibling Class will be held January 28 at 3:00 p.m. This is a fun class for kids 2 ½ years and older expecting a new brother or sister. It shows them how to hold a baby and explains the different emotions that having a new baby in the house can bring. Kids get a tour of the OB department to see where Mom will sleep, a souvenir picture for the baby’s crib, and a coloring book to help continue preparation at home.
An OB “Potpourri” and Tour will be held February 2 at 6:00 p.m. This is the last class in the series that goes over the many forms parents will need to fill out during their hospital stay. There is also a tour of the OB-GYN department to view a labor room, a post partum room and the nursery.

The series of prepared childbirth classes will begin again on March 2 with the Physiology of Labor, Breathing 1 and Relaxation class. The second class on Labor, Breathing II, Delivery and Post Partum will be held March 9.

BAMC’s prepared childbirth classes are designed to help parents prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for each phase of childbirth. Training classes will teach Mom and partner what to expect and how to cooperate. The goal is to make childbirth a memorable and exciting event.

Classes are taught by registered nurses at BAMC and are conducted year-round. Parents can attend the series of classes from beginning to end, or just the portions that interest them. Pre-registration is required. To register for these free classes, please call the OB-GYN department at (715) 735-4200, ext. 4050.

Bay Area Medical Center offers top-notch OB/GYN services to the surrounding community. Combined labor, delivery and post partum rooms offer women a convenient home-like atmosphere during their stay. Board-certified OB/GYN physicians and pediatricians provide 24/7 care with special attention to patient needs. Approximately 400 babies are delivered at Bay Area Medical Center each year.

For the Editor:

Bay Area Medical Center is a 99-bed general acute care hospital located in Northeast Wisconsin. It includes a community primary/secondary care hospital, a 71,100 sq.-ft. outpatient surgery center, a primary care physician joint venture, and a radiation oncology joint venture. BAMC offers select, advanced medical services, with an emphasis on diagnostic radiology, rehabilitation services, ambulatory surgery, obstetrics, cancer treatment and urgent care. BAMC earned full accreditation for January 2003 through January 2006 by the Joint Commission on HealthCare Organizations.