Birthing Center offers simpler registration

EASTON — The Birthing Center at UM Shore Regional Health’s Shore Medical Center at Easton provides several classes related to childbirth, parenting, breastfeeding and being a safe sibling throughout the year. The Birthing Center team is now offering a new, simpler registration process to assist new parents and caregivers.

All childbirth and education classes are free of cost, but advance registration is required for all classes. Care partners are encouraged to attend classes with their birthing partners.

Caregivers who are interested in attending an upcoming course may still call 410-822-1000, ext. 5234, and leave a message with your name, email address, phone number, and the names and dates of the classes for which you would like to register, or you can visit the online Prenatal Class Registration form and submit a request quickly.

All classes are held in-person at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton’s Nick Rajacich Health Education Center, as follows:

• Understanding Labor - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. the first Saturday of each month. Classes will take place Aug. 3, Sept. 7, Oct. 5, Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. This course provides information on the signs of labor, stages of labor and labor contractions. Skilled Birthing Center team members discuss options for comfort techniques and pain management, laboring positions, medical procedures, and recovery following delivery.
• New Mom, New Baby - 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Aug. 10, Oct. 12 and Dec. 14. This course provides an overview of care for mother and child, from the time of delivery to two weeks following delivery (postpartum). Birthing Center team members provide information about postpartum care, emotions and stress, intimacy and sexuality, returning to work and birth control options. Course participants also learn about newborn care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, circumcision care and infant safety.
• Breastfeeding - 9 a.m. to noon on July 13, Sept. 14 and Nov. 9. Birthing Center team members discuss tips and techniques for successful breastfeeding, including latch and positioning, and maintaining milk supply. (Please note: UM SRH certified lactation consultants also offer expectant and new mothers information about the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby, along with tips and techniques for successful breastfeeding. For information regarding breastfeeding support offered by appointment via videoconference or in-person -- outside of scheduled class time -- contact 410-822-1000, ext. 5700, or ext. 5535.)
• Safe-Sibling - 9 to 11 a.m. on Aug. 10, Oct. 12 and Dec. 14. This course introduces children ages 2 to 8 to ways they can help newborns and parents by being a safe sibling. Nurses introduce participating children to safety issues, safe ways they can engage with their newborn siblings, and also offer tips and tricks for parents to encourage a healthy bonding experience. This class includes a snack, story time and tour of the Birthing Center at UM Shore Medical Center at Easton.