Expecting parents often have a lot of questions. Luckily for them, the health professionals at Adventist Midwest Health are available to help every step of the way. In the right hands, a happy, healthy childbirth and post-natal period is possible for first-timers and experienced parents alike.

Resources before birth
For the expecting mother and her support person, the first important step is registering for prenatal classes. Certified childbirth educators offer hospital tours and provide detailed information regarding labor, delivery, pain management options, epidurals, indications for cesarean section delivery, and the Lamaze method for breathing and relaxation.

“Prenatal classes are a terrific way to learn about the changes your body is experiencing and how to adjust to them,” says BettySue Netzel, director of women’s and children’s services at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. “They also connect women with other moms-to-be, so they can enjoy the journey together.”

Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital offers an additional class on comfort measures for late pregnancy and labor. Through explanation, demonstration and practice, expectant women and their support people will learn touch, breathing techniques, massage, music, imagery, meditation, aromatherapy and effleurage.

When life gets too busy for weekly prenatal classes, Adventist Hinsdale Hospital teaches a one-day, fast-paced childbirth class, also taught by a certified childbirth educator for the expectant mother and her support person. This class covers the same topics as the regular prenatal classes.

For those who are having twins, a multiple gestation couples prenatal class, taught by an experienced mother of multiples, is available at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. During the classes the instructor will discuss the unique challenges of a multiples pregnancy and provide helpful information on coping with two or more babies.

If you already have young children at home, help them bond with the unborn baby by attending “My Mommy is having a Baby,” a prenatal sibling class at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital. Children age three to seven will learn what to expect when coming to the hospital to visit, the needs of the new baby and what being a big brother or sister entails. By using a small doll, kids can practice how to hold and diaper a baby.

You can also get in shape early by starting a prenatal exercise program. Licensed physical therapists at Adventist Paulson Rehab Network in Willowbrook teach mothers exercise and comfort techniques to maintain flexibility and muscle tone and increase posture awareness.

Resources after birth
Once your newborn arrives home, perfect parenting by attending a class that teaches the expectant couple—or grandparents wishing to refresh their skills—the fundamentals of bathing, diapering, feeding and car-seat safety, as well as tips to reduce the risk of SIDS, recognize illness and comfort a fussy baby. A separate course teaches participants how to recognize and care for breathing emergencies in infants and small children.

If you’re uncertain about breastfeeding, you should know the American Academy of Pediatrics states breastfeeding decreases your baby’s risk of infectious diseases, ear infections and diarrhea. New mothers who breastfeed return to their pre-pregnancy weight sooner, experience less postpartum bleeding and have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Plus, breastfeeding doesn’t pollute the environment.

“Even though women know the advantages, they don’t always to choose to breastfeed because of lack of support at home or work,” Brigit Karimkuttyil, a lactation consultant at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. “They’re afraid what their husband, society or employer might think.”

The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a call to remove obstacles nursing mothers often face; increase your chances of success by learning more about breastfeeding. Adventist Midwest Health hosts breastfeeding classes and also provides breastfeeding support on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

For a complete listing of pregnancy-related classes and programs available at Adventist Midwest Health, visit www.KeepingYouWell.com or call 866-533-7968.