|
A Great Start
The Gibson Area Hospital Obstetrics Department offers a wide range of
family education programs that are offered to help you and your family prepare for
your baby’s arrival, including:
• Childbirth Classes
• Super Sibling Classes
• Car Seat Safety Checks
• Infant Massage
• Breastfeeding Classes
• Safe Sitter Classes
Childbirth Education Class
This interactive class will assist expectant mothers and their coaches to prepare for the birth of their child. Topics covered, but not limited to include, what to expect during your hospital stay, caring for your new baby, care of the mother before, during and after delivery, the need for increased communication between mother and coach, explaining the different pain control options, and nutrition options for your infant . You will also go on a tour of the OB department so you become familiar with the surroundings before you come to deliver. The class is offered every other month beginning in January and meets on Wednesday nights for four evenings. The hours are from 7pm-9pm at the Gibson Area Hospital. There is no fee for mothers who will be delivering at G.A.H. The cost for mothers not delivering at G.A.H is $50.00. The class in instructed by Marie Grider, Certified Childbirth Educator.
Super Sibling Class
Imagine your child entering a classroom timid, and shy and leaving as a “Super Sibling”. From the second they put on their “Super Sibling” cape, the learning begins. Each child will learn how to change diapers, swaddle a baby, hold a baby, and what a baby can and can’t do. We will watch a “Silly” interactive video that will keep your child entertained and teach them something at the same time. Each child will be given a baby doll to take care of during the class. We will take a tour of the OB department so your child will feel more comfortable when they come to visit you and the new baby during your hospital stay. Each child will receive a personalized certificate and a packet of activities to help you welcome your new baby at home. The class meets every other month on a Tuesday night from 6:30pm-7: 30pm. Call the OB Department at Gibson Area Hospital at 217-784-2510 to get class schedule and to sign up your “Super Sibling” today. There is no charge for this class. The class in instructed by Katie Slaughter.
Car Seat Safety Checks
Making sure your child is secured safely in his or her car seat can be confusing. Let our GAH Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians educate you on the proper use and installation of your Childs car seat. The technicians will demonstrate the proper way to buckle the child according to his or her age and weight. To make an appointment for a free car seat safety check, contact the OB Department at 784-2510.
Infant Massage
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could now exactly what a baby wanted every time he or she cried. What about a massage to help calm and soothe a fussy baby. Each new mother is offered the opportunity to learn the techniques of infant massage, before they are discharged to home with their new infant. Infant massages have been proven to relax infants, enhance bonding, aid in growth and development, promote communication and improves baby’s sleep habits. Our certified infant massage “instructor” will teach you the techniques that you need for this great one on one bonding experience. We have two Certified Infant Massage instructors on staff in the OB Department: Marie Grider and Lola Watterson.
Breastfeeding Classes
Certified Breastfeeding Educators (CBE) – CBE’s go through extensive training to learn the most up to date information, laws and techniques to prepare them to assist new mothers with their breastfeeding needs. Breastfeeding is not always the easiest transition into motherhood. Support, coaching and education can greatly increase the success rate of breastfeeding. GAH’s Certified Breastfeeding Educators are here to provide the support and education you need so that Mom and Baby get off to the best start possible. Our educators are here to meet every family’s breastfeeding goals and to help make breastfeeding a positive experience. CBE’s are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions. Contact the OB Dept at 217-784-2510.
|