Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center offers childbirth education classes that cover everything you'll want to know from early pregnancy to the first few months of your baby's life and beyond. Each pregnancy gives families a unique and personal experience and the classes are designed to provide a unique educational program for new parents-to-be. There are classes for you to learn, plan and make decisions about your baby’s birth and your new life together!

Each childbirth class is taught by a nurse who is familiar with Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center’s labor and delivery unit. She can tell you what to expect and answer your questions on prenatal care, labor and delivery. In addition, classes include featured guest speakers and videotapes on pregnancy and/or baby topics. You will also be able to tour the LDRP (Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum) suites.

Knowledge and preparation for birth can reduce fear and uncertainty, allowing you to make informed choices and to enjoy a more positive and relaxed experience during this very special time.

Early Pregnancy Class: Now that you're pregnant, you probably have a lot of questions. This class is most beneficial early in pregnancy, however information is useful throughout your entire pregnancy. Come to this two-hour evening class and receive information on:

• healthy nutrition
• safe exercise
• pregnancy risks
• prevention of pre-term labor
• your baby’s development
• emotional adjustments
• relaxation techniques
• practical information on taking care of yourself
• learning about your baby’s growth and development
• physiology of pregnancy

Labor & Delivery Classes: As your delivery date gets closer, you’ll want more information about the birth of your baby. These classes will help you plan your birth experience and prepare you for labor and delivery. Attend these classes between 28-34 weeks of pregnancy. There are two evening classes lasting three hours each or one Saturday class lasting eight hours. The classes will cover:

• breathing and relaxation techniques
• signs and symptoms of labor
• stages of labor
• fetal growth and development
• pain control during labor
• positions for labor and delivery
• unexpected outcomes
• when to call or come in
• warning signs
• cesarean birth
• bonding

Newborn Baby Care Class: This class will give you information on caring for your newborn. Topics will include:

• safety
• what to expect as a parent
• emergencies
• illnesses
• child development
• child care choices
• baby care

Refresher Course: This is a one-time session for parents who have previously had a child. No matter how long it’s been since your last childbirth experience, this refresher course will bring you up to date on the labor and delivery process. Instructors will review breathing and relaxation.

Pediatric Basic Life Support (CPR): For your infant and child’s safety, Pediatric Basic Life Support is offered for you as new and expectant parents. This class will help you to recognize when your child is choking and teach you what to do. It will also instruct you how to properly perform infant and child CPR and what to do in an emergency situation. The cost of the class includes a textbook. You may register to take this class in conjunction with your childbirth classes or at any time during or after your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding Class: All mothers-to-be who are considering breastfeeding are encouraged to attend this class taught by a lactation consultant. This class is free. Attend anytime before your due date. Topics will include:

• benefits of breastfeeding
• proper positioning of the baby while nursing
• importance of rest and diet for mom
• how to tell if baby is getting enough breastmilk
• techniques for expressing and storing breastmilk
• tips for combining breastfeeding and bottlefeeding

For more information about childbirth classes or to sign up, contact Kim Abraham, Education Assistant, at 507-537-9238 or kimberlie.abraham@averamarshall.org.