RMH FamilyBirthplace Classes

To register for the following classes, or for more information, call the RMH Family Birthplace at 540-689-3300, or click on any link below to send the RMH Family Birthplace an e-mail. Be sure to include your name and phone number. Unless otherwise noted, a small fee is charged for each class.

Family Birthplace Tour

(No need to register)—e-mail
Expectant parents and their families are invited to tour the Family Birthplace on the first Sunday of each month. The tour begins at 1 p.m. in the Family Birthplace Waiting Area on the third floor of the West Tower (this tour is also included with the Birth Preparation Class). (No fee)

Birth Preparation Class

e-mail
These three classes help prepare you for your birth experience. They cover such topics as changes in late pregnancy, what to expect during labor and delivery, breathing, relaxation techniques and comfort measures for labor, hospital procedures, medications, Cesarean birth and recovery. Partners or other support persons are encouraged to attend. A Family Birthplace tour is included with this class.

Teen Birth Class

e-mail
These classes are for mothers and their partners 19 years old and younger. The same information is provided as in Birth Preparation Class.

Refresher Birth Class

e-mail
This class is for those who have already given birth and want to brush up on breathing patterns, relaxation techniques, and the labor and delivery process. The agenda will depend on what class participants want to learn. It also covers VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), if needed. Tour optional.

Cesarean Birth Classes

e-mail
Offered as needed.

Family Care Class

e-mail
We encourage all first-time parents to come to this two-and-a-half-hour class which focuses on family care before, during and after birth. Your family care nurse will teach you to care for yourself and your baby. Special topics of the class include bathing, feeding, child safety, mother’s care after delivery and fathering. We encourage your partner or support person to come learn how that can best support you.

Breastfeeding Class

e-mail
Prepare yourself and your family for a happy breastfeeding experience by coming to a two-hour session on “how-tos” and practical information for getting off to a good start. Partners or support persons are encouraged to attend.

Sibling Class

e-mail
The arrival of a new baby in the family is an exciting time for big brother or sister. The sibling class offers a time for children ages 3-10 to explore what this new adventure will include and how they can help with the baby. This class gives the child time to talk and learn about babies, tour the maternity area and learn about some of the changes and feelings a child may experience with a new baby in the family.

Infant/Child CPR

e-mail
Parents/grandparents or caregivers can learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on babies or children up to 8 years old.

Programs

Hand-in-Hand

Pregnancy brings change into the life of any woman. But when the woman is a teenager, the changes can be even more significant, making it harder to cope. At such times, some teenagers find it helpful to have a person ready to listen, to offer support or to help find needed resources. A caring volunteer from the Hand-in-Hand program will provide support during pregnancy and through the first year of the baby’s life. For more information, call RMH Community Health at 540-433-4340. (No fee)

The Doula Program

A doula is a caring and specially trained female birthing companion who gives support, comfort, encouragement and care to women and couples through their birthing experiences. Studies have shown that doula support during labor can reduce the length of labor, decrease the need for pain medication and reduce the rate of Cesarean birth. The doula is an extra person (in addition to your labor coaches) who stays with you throughout labor until delivery, even when the doctors or nurses change shifts. For more information, call the Doula Coordinator at 540-689-3300.

ChildCare Connection

Whether you are a working parent or plan to stay home with your baby, you’ll probably need childcare at sometime. ChildCare Connection will help you find a childcare provider (babysitter) to meet your needs. We will also give you helpful information to guide you to the best childcare decisions for you and your baby. Call ChildCare Connection at 540-433-4531 or 800-377-4453.