Pregnant moms can get all their “what to expect” pregnancy questions answered by attending any or all of the Prenatal Education programs offered by HSHS Francis Hospital in the coming year. 

The St. Francis Family Maternity Center offers a wide range of services for mothers and infants, and the class schedule for 2021 is now available. It includes childbirth education classes and breastfeeding classes plus other education about the amenities and quality care at St. Francis Hospital. 

Class times are 1-5 p.m. on the following dates: 

• January 9 

• March 6 

• May 15 

• July 17 

• September 25 

• November 13 

Classes are held in the 4th floor lounge of St. Francis Hospital and are taught by a registered nurse and a certified lactation counselor from St. Francis Family Maternity Center. They are open to any mom-to-be and their support person. It is recommended moms-to-be take the class that is closest to their due date. 

“The overall goal for all of our prenatal education programs is to make sure moms and families are as prepared as they can be for the delivery, as well as taking their baby home,” shared Elisa Feldmann, RNC, nurse manager of the Family Maternity Center. “We invite all expectant mothers and support persons to attend our educational classes.”

Feldmann also notes that all COVID-19 safety precautions are followed for the classes which are kept to limited numbers, socially distanced and masks are required.

According to the March of Dimes, prenatal education is an important component of supporting healthy pregnancies. Prenatal education promotes the maintenance of healthy lifestyles at the end of pregnancy and helps expectant mothers manage stress, support a healthy diet, avoid harmful chemicals and situations, recognize warning signs and symptoms that mean something may be wrong with their pregnancy, as well as prepare for labor and delivery.

The full calendar of classes at St. Francis Hospital Women and Infants Center can be reviewed on our website at www.stfrancis-litchfield.org under Classes and Events. In addition to these classes, St. Francis will be launching a Facebook breastfeeding support group in January 2022 to provide an additional, interactive experience for mothers in the community.

For more information and to register for classes, call (217) 324-8473.

The Family Maternity Center is designated a Silver Safe Sleep Hospital through the Eunice Kennedy Shriver organization and Cribs for Kids Program. It is also a Certified Baby-Friendly Hospital by the WHO and UNICEF, one of only approximately 600 designated hospitals in the US. The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals and birthing centers that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.

Feldmann added, “Being recognized as a Baby-Friendly and a Safe Sleep hospital shows that our staff work diligently to provide all of the necessary education, support and techniques for our moms and babies. We are proud to provide this high-quality care to our community”

 

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