Classes

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

Early Pregnancy

Early Pregnancy class is recommended for women during their first five months of pregnancy and covers 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. Early Pregnancy class is one session. Participants can choose a two-hour live class at NMMC Women's Hospital (which is offered in even months) or a one-hour virtual class (offered in odd months).

Preparation for Birth

Preparation for Birth classes, recommended at the beginning of the seventh month of pregnancy, meet at Women's Hospital from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays for four consecutive weeks. 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 Class

Recommended at the beginning of the seventh month of pregnancy, this class covers the same content as the Preparation for Birth Class in alternative format: two virtual sessions with three to four weeks between to allow prospective parents time to view the online content (which is available in English and Spanish). Participants will pick up class materials prior to first class. This class requires computer/internet access.

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 at NMMC Women's Hospital for those who anticipate a Cesarean delivery. Topics include indications and preparation for C-section delivery, emergency versus scheduled C-sections and recovery. Class meets one Thursday each month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The class is open to parents entering the seventh month of pregnancy and is free if no other class is desired.

Breastfeeding Class

Breastfeeding Class meets one Thursday each month from 6-9 p.m. at NMMC Women's Hospital. 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

Sibling Class is designed to prepare children ages 3-9 for the arrival of the newborn by providing them with information that is realistic and appropriate for their age – what a newborn looks like, what they are able to do and how the new big brother or sister can help care for the newborn. This class meets one Saturday every other month from 10-11 a.m. at NMMC Women's Hospital.

Grandparenting Class

Grandparenting Class provides an opportunity for discussion of the grandparents’ unique role. It will update expectant grandparents on changes in birth practices, maternity and newborn care; and promote an understanding of their children’s parenting perspective. This free two-hour class is offered one Saturday every other month from 1-3 p.m. at NMMC Women's Hospital.

Infant CPR Class

Parents and caregivers are taught the skills needed to perform infant CPR and management of choking. The program follows the American Red Cross guidelines and is taught by a certified instructor. Free classes are offered upon request and at 11 a.m. on designated Saturdays. Register online for the Saturday classes. To request a class at another time, call (662) 377-4934.

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

Pre-Admission Visits

A free visit is recommended for all expectant mothers not attending the Preparation for Birth course. The visit will provide:

  • information to prepare you for your admission
  • information on your transition from the hospital
  • daily care after delivery instructions
  • symptoms to report to your doctor
  • VIP discharge (when financial arrangements are completed prior to discharge)

Call (662) 377-4956 or email for more information.

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.