CLASSES AT ST. DAVID'S SOUTH AUSTIN HOSPITAL
Lamaze Childbirth Education Course

Lamaze prepares you and your partner for every aspect of your birth experience...from the last weeks of your pregnancy through labor and delivery, and then recovery and postpartum. And, YES, Lamaze does cover medicated births (e.g., epidural) in detail. Or, if you decide to delay receiving medication or to deliver without medication, we cover those choices completely as well.

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 nationally and internationally accredited childbirth education program.

 What you'll learn:

  • Body mechanics and things to consider during the last weeks of your pregnancy

  • How to recognize the beginning of true labor from Braxton-Hicks contractions, when to call your doctor, when to go to the hospital, and what to take with you

  • The subsequent--and very distinct--phases and stages of labor you'll experience (knowing what is happening to your body lessens your anxiety, which thereby reduces muscle tension and helps you actively manage discomfort

  • How to maintain control during labor and significantly lessen discomfort by using proven Lamaze breathing; relaxation; and supportive techniques, such as massage, effleurage, and changes in position (NOTE: If you're planning on receiving an epidural, it's usually administered when you're 4 to 5 centimeters dilated; therefore, you'll be going through hours of labor before reaching that point.)

  • Induced labor

  • Hospital policies and labor/delivery/recovery/postpartum procedures

  • Medical interventions (including Cesarean birth) that may be employed by your physician and medical team if needed to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby

  • Your options for medications and anesthesia (including receiving an epidural)

  • Your partner will be completely prepared to actively provide you with emotional and physical support during labor and to be an active, knowledgeable participant in the birth of your childImmediate nursing and other medical procedures following birth

  • You'll tour the labor/delivery/recovery, postpartum, and nursery facilities of the hospital's Maternity Center

 You have two options:

        You can enroll in a three-week course that meets in the hospital on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

             2009:    October 6, 13, & 20                                June 29; July 6 & 13
                          November 3, 10 & 17                             July 27; August 3 & 10
                          December 1, 8, & 15                              August 24 & 31; September 7
             2010:    January 5, 12, & 19                                September 21 & 28; October 5
                          February 2, 9, & 16                                October 19 & 26; November 2
                          March 30; April 6 & 13                            November 16, 23, & 30
                          April 27; May 4 & 11                               December 14, 21, & 28
                          June 1, 18, & 25

        Or, you can choose to attend a three-week course held in the hospital on Sunday evenings from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

             2009:    October 11, 18, &, 25                                                June 6, 13, & 27                                      
                          November 8, 15, &, 22                                              July 11, 18, & 25
                          November 29; December 6 & 13                              August 8, 15, & 22
             2010:    January 10, 24, & 31                                                September 12, 19, & 26
                          February 14, 21, & 28   (cancelled)                          October 10, 17, & 24             
                          (?) March 14, 21, & 28   (may be cancelled)            November 7, 14, & 21 
                          April 11, 18, & 25                                                      December 5, 12, & 19
                          May 2, 16, & 23              
                                  
Tuition is $80 per woman/couple.

Enrolling couldn't be easier! Just call us, and you can do everything over the phone--no paperwork! And, you're welcome to use a Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover credit or debit card; or you can mail a check or money.

A letter of confirmation will then be mailed to you that confirms the dates and time; includes a map of SAH's location (901 West Ben White Boulevard); tells you what to bring to class (two pillows and a small blanket--plus snacks and drinks, if you like); and asks you to enter through the hospital's Main Entrance (next to the Emergency Entrance) and follow the bright yellow "Lamaze Class" signs to the Auditorium.

For answers to your questions and to register, please call The Childbearing Years at (512) 263-5588.

Note: Some classes may fill well in advance.

Newborn Care Class

What you'll learn:

  •  Newborn characteristics

  •  Emotional bonding and attachment

  •  Health and nutrition

  •  Sleep and awake patterns

  •  Calming a fussy baby

  •  Colic

  • Care of the umbilical stump and circumcision

  •  Illnesses, immunizations, and doctor visits

  •  Infant safety at home and when traveling

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

  •  Picking up, holding, and carrying your baby

  •  Dressing

  •  Swaddling

  •  Diapering (using both cloth and disposable diapers)

  •  Feeding and burping

  •  Different techniques for taking your baby's temperature

  •  Bathing and washing hair

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.

Classes meet in the hospital on one Saturday afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m.
                                         
            2010:      January 23                                          August 7
                           March 20                                             October 16
                           May 15                                                November 20
                           June 19
                           July 17 (THIS CLASS ONLY: 5 to 8 p.m.)


Enrolling couldn't be easier! Just call us and you can do everything over the phone--no paperwork! And, you're welcome to use a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card. Or, you can mail a check or money order.

A letter of confirmation will then be mailed to you that confirms the date and time of your class; includes a map of SAH's location (901 West Ben White Boulevard); tells you that you don't need to bring anything to class (except snacks and drinks, if you like); and instructs you to enter through the hospital's Main Entrance (next to the Emergency Entrance) and follow the bright yellow "Newborn Care Class" signs to the Auditorium.

Tuition is $35 per woman/couple.

For answers to your questions and to register, please call The Childbearing Years at (512) 263-5588.

Note: Classes may fill well in advance.

Breastfeeding Class

From the moment your baby is placed on your chest, its first instinct will be to navigate to your breast. The milk you produce 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, your birth partner is highly encouraged to attend.

Your class will be taught by a highly experienced Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).

What you'll learn:

  • The innumerable health and nutritional benefits for baby and mom

  • The influence on breastfeeding success of your significant other, family, vistors, and the use of electronic devices while in postpartum

  • The anatomy and physiology of breastfeeding

  • Colostrum and changes in breastmilk composition

  • Making enough milk

  • Feeding cues; awakening a sleepy baby for feeding

  • Positions; latching-on; removing the infant from your breast

  • Length and frequency of feedings; keeping a breastfeeding diary

  • How to be sure your baby is getting eating well

  • Managing engorgement, soreness, and other potential problems

  • Techniques for pumping and storing milk for later feedings and renting/purchasing the breast pump that's right for yoursituation; rental sources; bottles and nipples; pacifiers

  • Breastfeeding after a Cesarean birth; breastfeeding twins and premature babies

  • Strategies for continuing to breastfeed following return to work or school

  • Diet and medications, including birth control

  • Resources: private and lactation consultants, reading recommendations, support groups, hotlines, websites, the Austin Area Mother's Milk Bank, and the Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)

Classes are held in the hospital on one Friday evening from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

            2009:     November 20                        July 30                              
            2010:     January 29                            September 24
                          March 26                               November 19
                          May 21

Tuition is $25 per woman/couple.

Enrolling couldn't be easier! Just call us, and you can do everything over the phone--no paperwork! And, you're welcome to use a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express credit or debit card. You also have the option of mailing a check or money order.

After you've registered by phone, we'll send you a confirmation letter that confirms the date and time of your class; includes a map of St. David's South Austin Hospital's location at 901 West Ben White Boulevard (also Highways 290 West & 71 West); informs you that you don't need bring bring anything to class (except snacks and drinks, if you like); and asks you to enter through the hospital's Main Entrance and follow the bright yellow "Breastfeeding Class" signs to the Auditorium on the first floor.

For answers to your questions and to register, please call The Childbearing Years at (512) 263-5588.

Note: Some classes may fill well in advance.

Infant/Child CPR Class
 
THIS CLASS IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ONLY AT
ST. DAVID'S NORTH AUSTIN MEDICAL CENTER
(Please return to the home page to select information about classes held at North Austin Medical Center)
 

Anyone who's ever been around a baby knows that whatever the infant picks up goes straight into its mouth...so there always exists a very real, constant risk of choking which can become life-threatening in seconds. There are also other situations that can cause a baby's breathing to stop and its heart to cease beating. Every parent (and caregiver) should know how to immediately use proven CPR techniques to save the life of their child.

Taught by an Infant/Child/Adult CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) Instructor certified by the American Heart Association. This is a "skills" course for family, friends, and caregivers; it is not a certification course.

What you'll learn:

  • How to clear an obstruction lodged in your baby's/child's airway

  • How to apply cycles of chest compressions and breaths to keep your baby/child alive until emergency medical help arrives

  • How to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to restore a victim's heartbeat (AEDs are now available at many schools, restaurants, entertainment venues, sporting events, malls, retail stores, etc.)

  • The techniques for clearing an airway and performing Child CPR can be generalized to giving aid to a stricken adult

Classes meet at St. David's North Austin Medical Center on one Sunday afternoon from either 12 to 2 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m., or 4 to 6 p.m.


             2009:     October 25                            February 28                            June 27                              October 31
                           November 29                        March 28                                 July 25                               November 21
                           December 20                        April 25                                    August 29                          December 19
             2010:     January 31                            May 23                                    September 26

 

Classes meet at North Austin Medical Center on one Sunday afternoon from either 12 to 2 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m., or 4 to 6 p.m.

Enrolling couldn't be easier! Just call us and you can do everything over the phone--no paperwork! And, you're welcome to use a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card; or you can mail a check or money order.

A letter of confirmation will then be mailed to you that confirms the date and time of your class; includes a map of NAMC's location (12221 North Mopac Expressway); tells you that you don't need to bring anything to class (except snacks and drinks, if you like); and instructs you to enter through the hospital's North Entrance (also labeled as the Emergency Entrance) and follow the bright yellow "Infant CPR Class" signs to Classroom 2-A.

Tuition is $35 per person. Class size is kept small.

For answers to your questions and to register, please call The Childbearing Years at (512) 263-5588.

NOTE: Classes may fill well in advance.
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