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Prenatal Care & Childbirth
Baby Basics Express 2024
with Certified Educator, MMC Childbirth Education
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We are offering this class online. After you are registered, a few days before the class starts you will receive an email with the link to participate in the class.
Expectant first time parents can learn about common newborn needs and behaviors and how to prepare for bringing baby home. This class includes information about how to care for and comfort a newborn, feeding, safe sleep and other ways to keep your baby safe, and tips on how to make this newborn period an easier transition for you.
We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.
Grandparents 2024
with Ellen Kunkle, MMC Childbirth Education
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Registration is per person.
Things have really changed since you became a parent! This class will cover communication between grandparents and the new parents; how grandparents can help during pregnancy, birth and after baby is born; current guidelines for infant care and infant safety; and ways to bond with your new grandchild.
We recommend attending this class between the 32nd and 36th week of pregnancy.
We are offering this class online. After you are registered, shortly before the class starts you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in the class. Thank you for understanding.
Childbirth Education One-Day Express 2024
with Certified Educator, MMC Childbirth Education
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Registration includes a support person.
The One-Day Express Course covers all of the same information as the Childbirth Education 4-evening series in one full day.
Recommended for all first-time pregnant people and their birth partners, this class is designed to provide you and your labor partner with the information, skills, and resources to prepare you for the birth of your baby.
- Introduction to Labor & Delivery You can expect to learn the stages and phases of labor, what to expect physically and emotionally, the importance of labor support, and more. You will also see birth videos and go on a teaching tour of the Family Birth Center.
- Practical Skills and Comfort Measures You will learn comfort measures such as relaxation, breathing, and positions that you can use both at home and while at the hospital. Even mothers planning to use medication for pain relief will utilize skills to manage labor prior to and in conjunction with the use of medication.
- Medications and Interventions Be an active participant in the decisions that affect you and your baby. Learn about induction of labor, unplanned cesareans, vacuum, fetal monitoring and more. Whether you are planning on using pain medications, or just want to understand the available options, you will take home the information you need to make informed decisions about pain relief.
- Putting It Together The class will wrap up with a labor rehearsal and birth plan exercise as a way to practice all of the skills and knowledge learned in the class.
We recommend attending this class between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.
We are offering this class online. After you are registered, shortly before the class starts you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in the class. Thank you for understanding.
Big Brother/Big Sister Class
with Kayla Day, SMHC Birthing Suite
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Big Brothers or Big Sisters can have an opportunity for special time with Mom and/or Dad before their new baby sibling arrives. This class includes:
- Diapering activity with their own special doll/stuffed animal you bring from home
- Story time about being a new big sibling
- Coloring activity
- "Field trip" to the Birthing Suite to see where Mom will be once the new baby arrives!
This class will last approximately ONE hour. Recommended for Children ages 3 to 7. Mom should be in her last trimester. Class FEE is per family. When checking out, please do not add your children as attendees.
MidCoast Mamas
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Maternity
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Please join our postpartum support group to find the village you deserve! You will get to meet other new moms and find out that many of the struggles you may be experiencing are common and you are not alone. You will also get good ideas for coping. We vent, we celebrate, we cry, we encourage, we drink coffee and eat snacks! You can weigh your baby here and ask any questions at all to another mother or a nurse.
The group meets every Wednesday morning at 10:30am at MidCoast Hospital in Conference Room 1, right next to the cafeteria. If that room is not available, our back up location is the waiting room outside the Maternity unit. The group is led by our breast/bottle feeding specialists. Mothers will children 0-12months are welcome.
Infant CPR for Parents, Grandparents and Older Siblings with Erin Olmstead
with Erin Olmstead, WMH Family Birthplace
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Join us for an infant CPR course to gain knowledge in how to perform CPR and choking rescue of an infant up to 1 year of age. This course will be provided by in-person instructor, video and hands-on practice.
THIS CLASS IS LOCATED IN NORWAY, MAINE - IN PERSON
Class is scheduled for an estimated 1 hour. Any caregiver is welcome to join, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, etc.
Contact the Perinatal Outreach Education Coordinator with any questions: 207-393-3462
Will run
Newborn Sleep (0-3 mos): Setting the Foundations (2024)
with Jenna Marion, MMC Childbirth Education
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This newborn sleep shaping class is for pregnant persons at any gestation and new parents with babies up to 12 weeks. During this class parents will learn how to set the foundations in the newborn period for healthy infant sleep. Topics discussed will include what to expect in the fourth trimester, newborn soothing strategies, the science behind sleep, developmental milestones, how to create a sleep conducive environment, how to encourage independent sleep, how and when to stop swaddling and realistic expectations regarding night wakings and feedings. We will also discuss planning for going back to work and transitioning to daycare.
Non-birthing partners are encouraged to attend.
This class is currently offered virtually via Zoom. After you are regisitered, you will receive an email with information as to how to participate in class.
If you have any questions please contact Jenna Marion directly at jenna.marion@mainehealth.org.
Preparing for Labor & Birth
with Erin Kirkpatrick, Mid Coast Maternity
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Join us for an in-depth discussion of what to expect when the time comes to give birth to your baby!
Part 1 is in-person at MidCoast Hospital. During this 3 hour session, you will learn about the three phases of labor, how to cope, and how to be a supportive partner. We will discuss many coping strategies, as well as practice laboring positions and hands-on support techniques. This session also includes a tour of the maternity unit and birthing rooms. Session 1 is from 9:30am-1:00pm.
Part 2 is held the next day via zoom. During this 2.5 hour session, you will learn about the various pain medication options that are available, what is involved in inductions and c-sections, what to expect with your newborn and your hospital stay, as well as how to be more prepared for the postpartum period. Session 2 will be from 3:00-5:30pm.
Partners/support people are encouraged to attend but do not need to register online. We recommend taking this course between 30-35 weeks if possible. Our hope is that you will leave this educational weekend feeling like you have the knowledge you need to make informed decisions, and the confidence to navigate the transition from pregnancy to parenthood. We look forward to working with you!
You will receive an email from the instructor 1 week prior to the scheduled class with the zoom link for part 2.