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 in September and October free of charge for expecting parents. All classes are held in the Michigan/Superior Rooms at Bay Area Medical Center and last between 2 to 2 ½ hours.

A Physiology of Labor, Breathing I & Relaxation class will be held September 7 at 6:00 p.m. This is the first class in the series, and an introduction to what parents can expect during the end of pregnancy and the beginning of labor. Some techniques for relaxation and breathing exercises will be reviewed, as well as options for pain relief.

The Labor, Breathing II, Delivery and Post Partum class will be held September 14 at 6:00 p.m. In this class parents will learn what to expect during delivery and post partum and review breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. A film of birth experiences of several couples will also be shown.

A Breastfeeding class will be held September 21 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 September 28 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.

An OB “Potpourri” and Tour will be held October 5 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.

A Sibling Class will be held October 7 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.

The series of prepared childbirth classes will begin again on November 2 with the Physiology of Labor, Breathing 1 and Relaxation class.
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.