Lamaze prepares you for every aspect of your birth experience...from the last weeks of your pregnancy through labor and delivery and then postpartum. And, YES, Lamaze does cover medicated births (e.g., epidural) in detail. Or, if your choice is to deliver "naturally" (i.e., without medication), we also cover that option completely.

Taught by a Lamaze-Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE). An LCCE has reached the very pinnacle of teaching professionalism; the credential is recognized worldwide for excellence. Lamaze is the only accredited childbirth education program.

What you'll learn:

• How to maintain control and lessen your discomfort during labor by using proven Lamaze breathing, relaxation, and supportive techniques (NOTE: If you're planning on receiving an epidural, it's usually administered when you're 4-5 centimeters dilated; therefore, you may go through hours of labor before reaching that point.)
• Induced labor
  
• The distinct phases and stages of labor, thereby lessening anxiety, which can help decrease your discomfort
  
• The hospital's policies and delivery/recovery/postpartum procedures
  
• Medical interventions (including Cesarean birth) that can be employed by your physician and medical team if needed to ensure your baby has a safe and healthy arrival
  
• Your options for medications and anesthesia (including epidurals)
  
• Your partner will be completely prepared to actively provide you with physical and emotional support during labor and to be an active, knowledgeable participant in the birth of your child
• You'll tour the labor/delivery/recovery, postpartum, and nursery facilities of the hospital's Women's Center

Classes meet in the hospital on three Tuesday evenings from 7-9:30 p.m.

                   April 29, May 6 & 13                                 September 16, 23 & 30
                   May 27, June 3 & 10                                October 14, 21 & 28
                   June 24, July 1 & 8                                   November 11, 18 & 25
                   July 22 & 29, August 5                             December 2, 9 & 16
                   August 19 & 26, September 2               

Or, classes are also held on Sunday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m.

                   April 27, May 4 & 18                                 September 7, 14 & 21
                   June 1, 8 & 22                                           September 28, October 5 & 12
                   July 6, 13 & 20                                          October 26, November 2 & 9
                   August 3, 10 & 17                                     November 23 & 30, December 7


Tuition is $80 per woman/couple.

For information and to register, please call The Childbearing Years at (512) 263-5588. Note: Classes may fill weeks in advance.

Registration/Information

You and your birth partner must be masters of all the skills and information needed to care for your infant from the very moment of birth. This three-hour class will thoroughly prepare you both and provide the confidence you seek. Your instructor, Nola Cottom, RNC, M.S.N., FACCE, LCCE, is a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.

Hands-on skills you'll master as you rotate among 12 different learning/practice stations:

• Picking up, holding, and carrying your baby
  
• Dressing
  
• Swaddling
  
• Diapering
  
• Feeding and burping
  
• Taking temperature
  
• Bathing

Other subjects you'll learn:

• Newborn characteristics
  
• Emotional bonding and attachment
  
• Health and nutrition
  
• Sleep and awake patterns
  
• Calming a crying baby
  
• Colic
  
• Illnesses, immunizations, and doctor visits
  
• Infant safety at home and when traveling

Classes meet one Saturday afternoon from 2-5 p.m.

                            May 3                                          October 4
                            July 5                                          November 1
                            September 6                   

Tuition is $30 per woman/couple. (On May 1st, tuition for this class will increase to $35 per woman/couple.) For information and to register, please call The Childbearing Years at (512) 263-5588. Note: Classes may fill well in advance.

Registration/Information

From the moment your baby is placed on your chest, its first instinct will be to navigate to your breast to feed. Your milk is the perfect food...it's the greatest gift you can give your infant! This class will be invaluable in getting you and your newborn off to a great start. A supportive, knowledgeable partner can make it all so much easier and enjoyable; therefore, the guys are highly encouraged to attend.

What you'll learn:

• The advantages for you and the baby and the health and nutritional benefits for your infant
  
• The physiological processes of breastfeeding
• Proper techniques and feeding positions and successful latching-on
  
• Techniques for pumping and storing milk for later feedings and renting/purchasing the breast pump that's right for your situation
  
• Breastfeeding after a Cesarean birth
• Strategies for returning to work or school
  
• Recognizing and solving problems; where to find help if needed
  
• Food, drinks, and medication that can or shouldn't be consumed or taken
  
• The important role your partner and others play in supporting you

Classes are held one Friday from 7-9:30 p.m.

                            May 23                                          September 26
                            July 25                                           November 21

Tuition is $20 per woman/couple. (On May 1st, tuition for this class will increase to $25 per woman/couple.) The class is taught by a Certified Lactation Consultant. For information and to register, please call The Childbearing Years at (512) 263-5588. Note: Classes may fill well in advance.

Registration/Information

If you've ever been around babies, you know that whatever they pick up goes straight into their mouth...so there's always a risk of choking—and worse. Other situations can also cause an infant's breathing to stop and its heart to cease beating. Every parent should know how to use CPR techniques to save a baby's life.

Classes are normally held one Sunday afternoon each month; your choice of either 12-2 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. See the class schedule on the NAMC page.

What you'll learn:

    •   How to clear an obstruction in the baby's airway
    •   How to restore the infant's breathing and heartbeat

Tuition is $35 per person. Class size is kept small. Taught by an Infant Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation Instructor certified by the American Heart Association. This is a "skills" course for family and friends; this is not a certification course. NOTE: Classes may fill well in advance.


Registration/Information