Education

Preparing for Childbirth and Infant Care

From the day you discover you’re pregnant, your emotions and thoughts may range from happiness to anxiety. Let us help you better prepare for what is to come.

The Valley West Community Wellness Department, along with specialized childbirth and infant nurse educators, offers classes to provide guidance and instructions for parents-to-be continuing through delivery and early childhood.

At your first prenatal visit, your doctor and Valley West become partners in your continuing education. You will receive information about pre-natal care
and a schedule of our comprehensive Childbirth and Infant Care classes.

For more information call 815.786.3962. Online registration is available.

These classes include:

Breastfeeding Class
Learn the benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby, getting started, preventing common problems and how to pump and store breast milk.

Happiest Baby on the Block
In this class new parents will learn how to help their baby sleep better and soothe even the fussiest little one in minutes...even seconds. Fee includes The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD and a Soothing Sounds CD.

Infant Safety and CPR
For new parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Learn about infant safety including childproofing, poison prevention, SIDS, CPR and choking rescue for infants less than 1 year of age. Not a certification class.

Mommy and Me Lactation Support Group
This support group meets the first Monday of the month in the OB Lounge. For more information call 815.786.3962.

New Baby Care
A class for parents, grandparents and other caregivers to learn the basics of newborn care. Bathing, diapering, feeding, crying and sleeping are just a few of the topics we will explore.

Prepared Childbirth
A five session class for the expectant mom and her labor companion. Learn the signs and stages of labor; breathing, relaxation and comfort techniques; variations of labor, including cesarean births; and take a tour of the Valley West Maternity Suites. Labor companions learn to provide physical and emotional support during the birthing process.

Prepared Childbirth Weekend Express
This condensed Prepared Childbirth class for the expectant mom and her labor companion provides the same basic information as our Prepared Childbirth class, but offers you the convenience of completing it in one day.

Sibling Class
Children who are at least 3 years old will benefit from this class by learning how babies look, act and behave. Children will tour a room in the Valley West Maternity Suites, visit a newborn in the nursery, practice holding a baby and watch a video about big brothers and sisters.

Tour the Valley West Maternity Suites
We encourage expectant parents to join us for a walking tour of the beautiful and spacious Valley West Maternity Suites. The tour is free, but registration is required. This tour is also given as a part of our Prepared Childbirth classes. Please call 815.786.3962 to schedule a date and time.