HCA Brandon Regional Hospital offers free courses to answer the many new questions that new parents have on their minds. The variety of childbirth preparation classes covers everything from labor pains to breastfeed tips.
Childbirth Preparation Class
First-time moms are typically gushing with questions. What will it be like in labor? How can someone alleviate the pain? Will the baby stay in the same room once it is born? Attendees of childbirth preparation class will be able to ask all these questions and more.
Childbirth Preparation class is a day-long course scheduled for April 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with lunch included. This informative in-person class will cover the third trimester, labor and delivery, comfort measures, medical interventions, postpartum and infant care.
One of the hospital’s experienced registered nurses will be available to provide answers to any questions participants may have.
“Our goal is to help you feel at ease and comfortable with what to expect when your baby arrives,” the hospital said in a press release. “Please bring your labor ‘coach’ and, if possible, a blanket and a pillow. Lunch and snacks will be provided. A tour of our Baby Suites will be offered as well.”
The class takes place at the HCA Florida Brandon Hospital’s Brandon Medical Center. You can register online for this course.
Childbirth education follows the ENJOY curriculum, Understanding Birth. “We talk about pregnancy in the third trimester, normal comfort, how to relieve discomfort,” said Stephanie Sperling. She teaches the class. “We talk about what is normal and what are warning signs, why and when to call the doctor.”
She also talks about early labor signs and the difference between true and false labor. “We talk about the labor and delivery process and the stages of labor and birth.”
Baby Matters
The Baby Matters interactive class helps expectant mothers understand what to expect developmentally before and after their baby is born. They will be given ideas for activities to do, to enhance development and build “attachment” with their baby. A wide range of topics will be discussed. Things like how much sleep a baby needs, as well as newborn infant care.
That course will be on Saturday, April 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Brandon Regional, also in Suite 262.
A Spanish version of the class will be offered Monday, April 17, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Breastfeeding 101
For those who plan to breastfeed, the hospital offers Breastfeeding 101. Board-Certified lactation consultants instruct the class and participants will learn why their milk is the best for their baby and how this natural process works. Challenges and solutions will also be discussed. Expectant moms and their partners will leave this class more confident and prepared for a successful breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding 101 is offered Thursday, April 20, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sperling, the hospital’s lactation consultant and childbirth educator, teaches the classes.
“Moms can come with a support person. I cover breastfeeding and why it is good and the satisfaction it brings to both baby and Mom,” Sperling said. “I also talk about options. Some people want to breastfeed directly, while others want to pump. Some want to do both. I also talk about the benefits of skin contact.”
There is also a segment on physiology and how breastfeeding works and about breastfeeding management. Participants learn latch-on techniques and how a mom knows when a baby is getting enough milk.
“What if I run into any problems? I go over common problems and how we help with them,” Sperling said. “If a baby is premature, I tell them about the services we offer and when we recommend pumping. Lactations consultants are here in the hospital daily, and are all certified through IBCLC. The International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants.”
Once an expectant mom is admitted to the hospital, Sperling and her teammates visit each one at their bedside and assist when needed. “We see if they are having any problems and offer to do assessments and in-person consultations.”
This is all free of charge.
Helping people adjust
The hospital offers breast pumps to new moms while they are in the hospital. They guide moms on how to go through their insurance company to get breast pumps for home use.
Sperling said she typically gets three to six moms in the breastfeeding class. The upcoming childbirth class already has 18 people registered.
“We are family centered, so we encourage babies to stay with mothers with minimal separation,” she said.
Sperling said she plans to add online courses for those who cannot attend in person.