Childbirth Education Programs:
Congratulations, you’re expecting! Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in your life. Covenant Medical Center is there for you every step of the way. We offer many prenatal and postpartum classes designed to build your confidence and prepare you for the upcoming birth of your baby and the care needed when you and your baby go home. Each class is designed to instruct parents on each part of the pregnancy process; from pregnancy expectations, to labor and delivery, to post delivery and breast-feeding. In addition, there are also classes to help the new baby’s sibling(s) adjust to a new way of life. Call us today to register for any or all of these classes. 

Prenatal Series:

Learning About Labor & Delivery
These two classes will cover the signs and symptoms of labor, how to differentiate between true and false labor, when to go to the hospital, the three stages of labor, possible medical interventions, medications, anesthesia, what to expect if a cesarean is required, brief overview of the benefits of breast-feeding and a video of actual births. Aguided tour of Covenant’s Family Birth Center is included. If you have decided to take the Lamaze course you will not need to take this course
Time: 6:30 p.m.- 8:45 p.m. (Dates Vary)
Cost: $20/couple

Post Delivery: The First Days
This two-class series will cover information regarding the postpartum period (time period starting after birth until uterus returns to normal – approximately six weeks). Postpartum hospital routines for both mom and baby will be reviewed. For mom, this includes: body changes and care, pain management and emotional changes. For baby, this includes: characteristics of the newborn, feeding, temperature regulation, hospital assessment and safety. Baby care for the first few days at home as well as information to help you prepare and manage your new parenting roles will be covered.  
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Cost: $20/couple

For more information or to register for classes call 319.272.8288

Lamaze
This five-class in-depth series is intended to educate pregnant women and their partners on the entire birth experience. Increased knowledge will assist you in making informed decisions about your birth. Anatomy is reviewed as well as the three stages of labor. Simple coping strategies to use throughout labor are introduced and practiced. These include positioning, relaxation, massage, breathing, and other options. Also covered are labor processes, important decisions that need to be made before, during and after delivery and parenting issues. Please bring two pillows, a blanket, and wear comfortable clothing. A guided tour of Covanant's Family Birth Center is included.
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. for five consecutive weeks (Weekend classes available.)
Cost: $45/couple
For more information or to register call 319.272.8288

Lamaze Refresher Class
A refresher course is also available for those who have had one or more children. Participants would need to attend weeks two, three, and four of the five-week series.
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. for three consecutive weeks*
Cost: $28/couple   * Not available with weekend classes.
For more information or to register call 319.272.8288

Baby Basics 
Be prepared to care for your baby with confidence. This two-class series will give you all the basics you need to care for your baby in the first year of life. Class content includes bathing, skin care, feeding, stimulation, play, safety, communication, and sleep. Intended audience includes: expectant parents, adoptive parents and grandparents.
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Dates Vary)
Cost: $20/couple
For more information or to register call 319.272.8288

Breastfeeding
Our breastfeeding class covers all the basics of breast-feeding. Discussion includes: advantages of breast milk as the superior infant food, preparation for breast-feeding, what to expect in the hospital and breast-feeding skills (including positioning and latch). We will also talk about storage and handling of breast milk, breast pumps, returning to work and more. Class is taught by our Lactation Consultants. Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (Generally held the first Tuesday of every month)
Cost: $15/couple
For more information or to register call 319.272.8288

Infant Massage
This is a wonderful opportunity for parents. This session is designed for newborns through six months. This two-hour class will offer demonstration and practice of infant massage techniques as well as discussion of the benefits to both babies and parents. Class is taught by a licensed Massage Therapist. Please bring a blanket for the floor and infant care needs (diapers, feeding needs, etc.).
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., (Thursdays, Dates Vary)
Cost: $10/baby (please limit 2 adults attending with baby).
For more information or to register call 319.272.8288

Sibling
This class consists of separate sessions for children 3 to 4-year-old and 5 to 10-year-old who are anticipating a new brother or sister. The instructor helps children achieve a realistic view of the changes in their family before and after the baby’s birth. The class includes a tour of the obstetrics department and age appropriate books and videos showing growth of the fetus and how the baby is born (5 to 10 year old session only).
Time:      3 to 4 year old 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Saturdays, Dates Vary)
              5 to 10 year old, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Saturdays, Dates Vary)
Cost:     $5/child
For more information or to register call 319.272.8288

Babysitting Clinic
This class teaches the basics of babysitting to boys and girls ages 10-15. Discussion includes what to do in an emergency, appropriate toys and games dependent on child’s age level, tips on preparing healthy snacks, and interactive hands-on activities to use when babysitting. Participants will learn the basics of CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, but they will NOT become certified in CPR. Participants will also receive their own babysitter’s handbook filled with information and ideas.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., (Saturdays, Dates Vary)
Cost: $15/person
For more information or to register call 319.272.8288