December 30, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: DEBORAH ROBERTS PUGH

(662) 377-3712

Visit www.nmhs.net for an electronic version of this article.

CHILDBIRTH CLASSES SCHEDULED AT

NMMC WOMEN’S HOSPITAL

TUPELO, Miss.-- The North Mississippi Medical Center Women’s Hospital is offering several educational opportunities for expectant parents.

The Early Pregnancy Class, which is recommended during the first five months of pregnancy, will be taught Wednesdays, Jan. 21-Feb. 4. Classes meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and topics include physical and emotional changes, discomforts of pregnancy, nutrition, fetal growth and development, tests of fetal well-being, and concerns about the newborn.

Two sessions of the six-week Preparation for Birth series, recommended at the beginning of the seventh month of pregnancy, are scheduled. Participants may register for Mondays, Jan. 19-Feb. 23, or Tuesdays, Jan. 20-Feb. 24. All classes begin at 6:30 p.m. Topics include labor and delivery, pain relief measures, Cesarean birth, care after delivery and caring for a newborn.

The Preparation for Cesarean Birth class is designed to prepare parents for a planned or repeat Cesarean delivery. The free class will meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8.

After their seventh month of pregnancy, women are encouraged to plan a pre-admission visit to the hospital at 1 p.m. any Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Information is provided about the hospital stay and transition from hospital to home, as well as a tour of the facility.

The Breastfeeding Class is designed for women who have chosen to breast-feed as well as for women who have not yet decided upon a feeding method. Sessions will be held from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15.

The Sibling Class, designed to prepare children ages 3-9 for the arrival of a newborn, will be held from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. Children are taught what a newborn looks like and does, as well as how they can help care for their new brother or sister.

A free Grandparenting Class is also offered Jan. 17 to discuss the unique role played by grandparents of a newborn. To register or for more information on these “Wonderful Beginnings” classes, call the NMMC Women’s Hospital at (662) 377-4956 or 1-800-843-3375.

Parents and caregivers interested in registering for an Infant CPR class may call (662) 377-4934 or 1-800-843-3375. Infant CPR classes are taught at 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

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