Classes

A variety of "Wonderful Beginnings" childbirth classes are offered at North Mississippi Medical Center hospitals in Tupelo and Amory.

Early Pregnancy

Early Pregnancy classes meet two evenings at the NMMC Women's Hospital. Early Pregnancy classes are recommended for women during their first five months of pregnancy and cover physical and emotional changes, discomforts such as morning sickness, prenatal nutrition, fetal growth and development, and common tests of fetal well-being, such as ultrasound. Participants also learn some aspects of parenting, such as how to prepare your home for an infant and how to deal with advice new parents get from well-meaning friends.

Preparation for Birth

Preparation for Birth classes, recommended at the beginning of the seventh month of pregnancy, meet in Tupelo for five consecutive weeks on Tuesday nights. Preparation for Birth classes teach parents when to come to the hospital and what to expect when once they arrive, the four stages of labor, patterns of breathing and relaxation, and anesthesia and pain relief options. Also discussed are special situations such as induced labor, forceps and Cesarean-section deliveries. Topics include caring for a newborn, as well as physical and emotional changes the mother can expect.

Preparation for Birth Online/Live Hybrid Class

Recommended at the beginning of the seventh month of pregnancy, this class covers the same content as the Preparation for Birth Class but includes only two live classes with three to four weeks between to allow prospective parents time to view the online content. Online content is available in English and Spanish. The live sessions include a brief review, hospital tour and opportunity to ask questions. This class requires computer/internet access. The two live meetings are from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays at Women's Hospital in Tupelo.

Childbirth Class

At NMMC Gilmore-Amory, Childbirth Class is held at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Take advantage of our interesting and informative class that takes you from preparation for your new addition, to infant care after the arrival. Highlights and topics include:

  • Tour the beautiful Women’s Center and learn what to expect during your pregnancy - breathing techniques and exercises, terminology, warning signs, watch video of vaginal and cesarean births.
  • Introductions to Labor - true labor vs. false labor, stages of labor, and pain control.
  • Newborn Care - what to expect from your new baby, newborn safety, and breastfeeding basics. By the time your baby arrives, you can be a pro at caring for a little one. A little practice can go a long way toward building your knowledge and comfort level.

Preparation for Cesarean Birth

Classes are offered in Tupelo for those who anticipate a Cesarean delivery. Topics include indications and preparation for C-section delivery, emergency versus scheduled C-sections and recovery.

Breastfeeding Class

Breastfeeding Class meets monthly in Tupelo. Instructors discuss the advantages of breast-feeding, as well as positioning, nutrition and how to manage breast tenderness. Topics also include common problems, such as trying to breast-feed a sleepy baby. This class is designed for women who have chosen to breastfeed as well as for women who have not yet decided upon a feeding method.

Sibling Class

The Sibling Class is offered on Saturday in Tupelo to help expectant brothers and sisters ages 3-9 understand the changes that are about to occur in their family. Participants learn what a newborn looks and acts like, and how they can help care for the new baby. Children learn feeding, diapering and playtime routines, and tour the hospital area where their mother will be.

Grandparenting Class

The Grandparenting Class is offered on Saturday in Tupelo to help expectant grandparents learn about things that have changed since they were new parents. This free class provides grandparents with much of the same infant care information given to parents. Techniques for caring for newborns and infants have changed over the years, and this class gives grandparents an opportunity to learn them.

Infant CPR Class

Infant CPR is offered Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and certain Saturday mornings in Tupelo for parents and caregivers.

For more information on these and other “Wonderful Beginnings” classes, call 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

Pre-Admission Visits

Pre-admission visits are recommended for all expectant mothers delivering at NMMC Women's Hospital who are not attending one of the Preparation for Birth classes. The visit includes a hospital tour and instruction on how to prepare for your admission to the hospital as well the transition from the hospital to home, daily care after delivery instructions, and symptoms to report to your physician.

This free class is offered every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 1 p.m. in classroom C at Women's Hospital. Call (662) 377-4956 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375) for additional information or to arrange a tour.

Print off the Pre-Admission Form and complete it. Return the form when you come for your pre-admission visit.

Ready, Set, Baby

The Connecticut Department of Public Health, in partnership with the Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute, has launched an interactive website adaptation of the Ready, Set, Baby curriculum. The website contains all the content of the original curriculum and allows expectant parents to choose a self-paced experience to prepare for their breastfeeding journey. The website was developed with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Check it out here.