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 Education and Breastfeeding Class

This interactive class will assist expectant mothers and their coaches to prepare for the birth of their children. 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 dependent upon Covid Restrictions at that time so you become familiar with the surroundings before you come to deliver. The class is offered every other month beginning in January and meets virtually in the evenings.   The childbirth class meets the first three nights and the breastfeeding class meets the fourth night. The hours are from 6 pm-8 pm through Gibson Area Hospital-Webex/Virtual Class. 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 is instructed by a Certified Childbirth Educator.  For more information contact the OB department at 217-784-2510.

Upcoming Schedule for childbirth classes in 2023:

January

Tuesdays  10th, 17th and 24th     

March

Tuesdays  7th, 14th and 21st       

May

Tuesdays 9th, 16th and 23rd      

July

Tuesdays 11th, 18th and 25th    

September

Tuesdays 5th, 12th and 19th     

November

Tuesdays 7th, 14th and 21st     

Upcoming Schedule for breastfeeding classes in 2023:

January -Tuesday the 30th

March - Tuesday the 26th

May-Tuesday the 28th

July Class- Tuesday the 30th

September- Tuesday the 24th

November -Tuesday the 26th

Contact the OB department at 217-784-2510.

Safe Sitter Classes

Safe Sitter® teaches adolescent babysitters how to handle emergent situations, how to keep their charges secure, and how to nurture and guide a young child. In short, Safe Sitter® babysitters help children stay safe and sound while their parents are away. In the process, these 11-14-year-olds emerge as more confident, responsible, and compassionate teens and adults. Their instructors thrive on making a difference in the lives of these adolescents and the children in their care. And their sponsoring Safe Sitter® site enjoys the benefits of developing a positive relationship with its community's youth and families. The cost of the course is $35.  For more information or to sign up contact the OB department at 217-784-2510.

Safe Sitter Classes will meet from 9 am-4 pm at Gibson Area Hospital in the East Boardroom, located in the hospital basement.

2023 Safe Sitter Class Dates: 

Wed. June 7th

Wed. June 21st

Wed. August 2nd

BREASTFEEDING

Breastfeeding Education Class

This interactive class will assist expecting mothers and their support persons to help them understand breastfeeding. Topics covered include, but are not limited to; how breastfeeding works, latching on and positioning, when to feed your baby, getting enough milk, breast care, and the breastfeeding lifestyle. This class is taught by one of our certified lactation counselors and is offered every other month during the evening from 6 pm to 8 pm through Gibson Area Hospital/Webex Virtual Class.  There is no charge for mothers who will be delivering at G.A.H.  The cost for mothers not delivering at G.A.H. is $20.00.  For more information about the breastfeeding class please call the Gibson Area Hospital OB Department at 217-784-2510. 

Certified Lactation Counselors Assistance

The OB Dept currently has five Certified Lactation Counselors and one Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The CLCs will visit you while you are in the hospital and assist you with any breastfeeding needs you may have. Once you go home, you may call the OB department at 217-784-2510, anytime night or day with questions or set up a time to meet with a CLC if problems or questions arise.

Women, Infants, and Children's Services

To learn more about W.I.C. Services and Family Case Management click here.