Childbirth Education
Prenatal classes at Crestwood Medical Center are free and are offered in person. We recommend you attend classes between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy.
For questions and/or register for prenatal classes, call (256) 429-5754.
All classes are located in the labor & delivery waiting room on the 2nd floor. To find the waiting room, enter the facility via the Crestwood Medical Pavilion (Crestwood Maternity Center Entrance).
Childbirth Class - One Day Workshop
This one day class will provide you and your support person with all the information needed to make informed decisions and feel confident as you prepare for the birth of your baby. The class will also include relaxation exercises and a tour of our labor and delivery suite, postpartum, newborn nursery and NICU.
To register for this class please call 256-429-5754.
Class dates: Saturdays: January 6, February 3, March 9, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 13, August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, and December 7
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Lunch break 12 p.m. -1 p.m.
Bring: 2 pillows, a blanket, water and money for lunch.
Childbirth Classes
This four-week course provides expectant parents with knowledge of what to expect during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. You will learn about the stages of labor and birth, relaxation techniques, what you can expect once you arrive at the hospital, newborn procedures & screenings, how to take care of yourself after the birth of your baby and more. The classes do not have to be attended consecutively.
Class 1
We will discuss planning your birth. You will learn about your birth environment, your birth team and your baby's healthcare provider. We will also talk about having a healthy pregnancy, changes in your body, how to take care of yourself, tracking your baby's movements and warnings signs which need immediate attention.
Class 2
You will learn about labor and birth: the signs and stages of labor, the birth of your baby, the pain of labor, relaxation techniques and comfort measures.
Class 3
We will discuss labor and birth interventions, induction of labor and medications for labor (nitrous oxide gas, narcotic analgesics and epidural block). We will discuss cesarean birth, the reasons for cesarean birth, preparation for your baby's birth, pain management and recovery.
Class 4
You will learn about caring for yourself, physical changes after birth and how to take care of yourself and the emotional changes that can occur. We will also talk about preparing for the newborn, your baby's appearance after birth, newborn procedures and screenings, and keeping your baby safe.
Class dates: All classes are from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
January 2, 9, 16, 23
February 6, 13, 20, 27
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 2, 9, 16, 23
May 7, 14, 21, 28
June 4, 11, 18, 25
July 2, 9, 16, 23
August 6, 13, 20, 27
September 3, 10, 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22
November 5, 12, 19, 26
December 3, 10, 17
Bring: 2 pillows, a blanket, water; all support people welcome to attend classes
Newborn Care Class
This class is designed for first time parents and their family. During the class, mom and support person will learn how to prepare for their baby and baby care basics. We will discuss newborn appearances and characteristics, getting to know your newborn, baby communication, baby growth and development and keeping baby safe. This class will be informative for the whole family including grandparents and babysitters.
Class dates: Mondays: All classes from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
January 8, February 5, March 4, April 1, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 9, October 7, November 4, December 2
Breastfeeding
This course will provide mom and support person with the information needed to make an informed decision regarding feeding their baby and the necessary skills to ensure success with breastfeeding. We will explore topics like how to get started, first feedings, positioning and dealing with common breastfeeding difficulties and nutrition while breastfeeding. Learn what to expect the first few days with your new baby before you deliver.
Class dates: Mondays: All classes from 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
January 22, February 19, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19, September 16, October 21, November 18, December 16
Additional classes offered at Crestwood Medical Center (not part of our free prenatal class offerings):
Gestational Diabetes Education - This program is an outpatient-based, multidisciplinary education program that can improve pregnancy outcomes for mothers with diabetes. Through one-on-one consultation with registered nurses and dietitians, expected moms learn about diabetes management, meal planning, glucose meter use and insulin administration. A physician referral is required. This class is covered by most insurance.
For more information, please call: (256) 429-5251