Childbirth Education and Tours
Register for prenatal classes by calling (260) 435-7338.
The Birthplace at Lutheran Hospital offers prenatal classes to help families prepare for childbirth and parenthood. Classes are taught by experienced instructors in an informal, participation-friendly atmosphere.
We recommend that expectant parents take classes during the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Class sizes are limited, so early registration, around the fifth month of your pregnancy, is encouraged.
Childbirth & Newborn Care
Childbirth classes prepare you for delivery. We recommend all first-time parents take this class, which answers many questions about your hospital stay and also includes a tour of The Birthplace.
Topics include:
- Childbirth
- Vaginal, cesarean and assisted-delivery procedures
- Phases of labor and stages of delivery and recovery
- Coping skills, basic breathing techniques and pain management options
- Newborn care
- What to expect during the first few weeks at home
- How to hold, soothe, diaper, bathe and feed baby
- How to tell if baby is sick and when to call the doctor
Breastfeeding
Learn more about breastfeeding from internationally board-certified lactation consultants. This class provides important information about breastfeeding, baby and recognizing if the baby is not getting enough breast milk. Fathers are strongly encouraged to attend.
This class is especially helpful for:
- First-time moms and dads
- Those who previously had a negative breastfeeding experience
- Mothers with flat, inverted, short or large nipples
- Mothers with very large or small breasts
- Those expecting multiples
- Mothers at high risk (pre-eclampsia, known fetal anomaly, etc.)
- Mothers who have had breast surgery (reduction, augmentation, trauma, etc.)
- Parents who want to better understand the benefits of breastfeeding and its challenges
Education classes are free to families delivering at The Birthplace at Lutheran Hospital. Call (260) 435-6747 to register. Class sizes are limited, so please register early.