Childbirth Courses

The following courses are available. Click on the name of the course for additional information

• Childbirth Preparation Classes
• Childbirth Preparation Refresher Course
• Sibling Preparation & Tour
• Caring for your Newborn& Prenatal Breastfeeding
• Dad’s BOOTie Camp
• Infant & Child CPR
• By Appointment Only

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION CLASSES

A Westerly Hospital certified childbirth educator, who is a registered nurse, provides information on labor and birth options and interprets The Women’s Health Center’s policies and methods of care and teaches breathing/relaxation techniques which are helpful during labor. Preparation for the unexpected Cesarean section is also included. For women in the sixth and seventh month of pregnancy, and their spouse or companion.

FEE: $80.00 per couple
Classes held on Mondays or Wednesdays from 6 to 8pm for 4 weeks, or Saturdays from 9am to 2pm for 2 weeks (not always consecutive weeks). Please bring a pillow and blanket to Childbirth Preparation classes.

Four Week Childbirth Preparation Class Schedule (Monday and Wednesdays)

CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION REFRESHER COURSE

Refresher classes are suggested for couples who have completed a prepared childbirth class for a previous pregnancy. The course is taught by a registered nurse, who is a certified childbirth educator.

Offered on Mondays or Wednesdays only.
Call the Childbirth Education Department at 401-348-3365 and speak to the Unit Coordinator to arrange a Childbirth Preparation Refresher Class.

Refresher classes will be held on the 2nd and 3rd week of the scheduled Childbirth Preparation classes (see schedule above).

There are no refresher classes on Saturdays.

REFRESHER COURSE FEE: $40.00 per couple
For the class location, please refer to your confirmation sheet which will be mailed to you. Please bring a pillow and a blanket. At your request, a receipt will be provided to submit to your insurance company for a refund. We cannot bill your insurance.

SIBLING PREPARATION AND TOUR

Include “big” sisters and brothers in plans for the arrival of the new baby. Children are invited to tour the Women’s Health Center and attend a special class. Visual aids are used to help children develop an understanding of being a big brother or sister.

FEE: $10.00 per child and additional $5.00 each additional child per family.

Classes are scheduled on an as needed basis. Please call 401-348-3365 for an appointment.

CARING FOR YOUR NEWBORN AND PRENATAL BREASTFEEDING

(Dads/partners are asked to attend)

Many moms and dads have questions and concerns about caring for their new baby once they return home from the hospital. Knowing what to expect during the early weeks and months of parenthood will help you care for your newborn with confidence. This program is aimed at addressing your concerns and questions about newborn behavior and prepare moms and dads for the breastfeeding experience. Content includes anatomy and physiology of milk production and the needs of infants and parents. New moms will also learn tips for returning to work while continuing to breastfeed.

Newborn classes should be taken in the eighth month of pregnancy or the first few weeks after delivery.

FEE: $35.00 per couple.
One class held from 6 pm to 9 pm on the following Tuesdays:

2012
December 11
2013
January 22
March 5
April 16
May 28
July 16
August 27
October 1
November 19
December 17

DAD’S BOOTie CAMP

(Just for Dad’s)

Enlist in a night of Basic Training at Dad’s Bootie Camp. Come conquer your fears about fatherhood and learn to be a pro at handling and caring for your new baby. This popular and informative three hour hands on class done with a touch of humor is for expecting dads whose partner is in her eighth or ninth month of pregnancy.

FEE: $20.00.
Class held from 6pm – 9pm on the following Tuesdays:
2012
November 27
2013
February 5
April 30
July 23
October 15

INFANT AND CHILD CPR

Taught by a Certified Basic Life Support Instructor, this program teaches caregivers basic rescue techniques including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Hazards leading to foreign body airway obstruction in infants and children will be addressed as well as reminders on how to make an environment safe for small children. This program is for anyone who wants to learn Infant and Child CPR, but does not need a course completion card.

FEE: $20.00 per person.
Class minimum of 4 people – maximum of 8 people.

One class on Tuesdays: 6pm – 8:30pm on the following dates:
2012
November 13
2013
January 15
March 12
May 14
July 9
September 17
November 12

By Appointment Only

The following classes are offered by appointment only:

PREPARATION CLASS FOR SIBLINGS ATTENDING CHILDBIRTH
$10.00 per per child, additional children from same family $5.00

TEEN PREGNANCY
No fee. 

Free Breastfeeding Support Group

Meets Mondays from 5:30 pm until 7 pm at Women’s Health of Westerly, Morgan Medical Building, 45 Wells Street, Westerly. Call the Women’s Health Center for additional information or directions at 401-348-3365.