Franciscan Health System A d va n c e d m e d i c i n e , T r u st e d c a r e
F A MI L Y EDUC A T I O N
Childbirth and Parenting Classes for the Best Beginnings
Dear Parents-to-be: Thank you for choosing Franciscan for this momentous life event. We’re honored to share in the preparation and birth of your child. There is much to learn, and we’re here to help however we can, when and how you need us. There is no right or wrong order in which to take classes. Based on our experience, it makes sense to take most classes during the second trimester, when you generally have the most time and energy. It is also helpful to take Childbirth Preparation early in the third trimester so you complete the series before your due date, with the information still fresh in your mind when the time comes to deliver. We know the many choices involved in bringing your baby into the world can be daunting. Relax and enjoy the journey. You and your baby will do just fine together! Best wishes to you and your growing family,
Your Friends at Franciscan Family Birth Centers
Suggested Class Order Second trimester Breastfeeding Preparation Maternity Reception and Tour Newborn Preparation Protecting Your Pelvic Floor Third trimester Childbirth Preparation Conscious Fathering Postpartum CPR/Infant Safety Infant Massage
Class Offerings Register online at www.FHShealth.org/childbirthclasses or call 1-888-825-3227, 24 hours a day, seven days a week (se habla espa単ol). Have questions? Call our dedicated education specialist at 253-426-6253 or email FamilyEducation@FHShealth.org.
Family Birth Center Maternity Reception and Tour Franciscan Family Birth Centers offer free tours for women and their families to learn about Franciscan Health System and our holistic approach to childbirth. Meet some of our staff, ask questions and tour our birth center. The tours are educational and highlight birth center amenities, provide specific information for your delivery including when to come to the hospital, where to park, where to enter, and more details about your anticipated stay. The tours are guided by family birth center staff or educators and take between 30-90 minutes depending on the facility. FREE
All of our classes are taught by specialists, certified educators or nurses.
Visita guiada y recepción del centro de maternidad Franciscan Family Birth Center at St. Joseph Franciscan Family Birth Center at St. Joseph ofrece visitas guiadas gratuitas para que las mujeres y sus familiares aprendan sobre el Sistema de Salud Franciscano y nuestro enfoque holístico del parto. Conozca parte de nuestro personal, haga preguntas y recorra nuestro centro de maternidad. Las visitas guiadas son educativas y destacan los servicios del centro de maternidad, proporcionan información específica para el parto, como cuándo venir al hospital, dónde estacionar, por dónde entrar y muchos detalles sobre su esperada hospitalización. El personal o los educadores del centro de maternidad dirigen las visitas guiadas, las que toman entre 60 y 75 minutos. Gratuito
Discover how your Franciscan Family Birth Center can help ensure the best beginning for your baby.
Childbirth Preparation This class is devoted to increasing your understanding of labor and birth. Each of our childbirth class series provides you and a companion with information on labor and delivery, breath awareness, positions for labor, comfort measures, the use of medications, cesarean and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), and newborns. Offered in four-week, two-day and one-day formats. Classes that meet for less time offer similar material in a condensed manner. Whether you anticipate use of medications or not, you will appreciate the variety of information offered in these educational and creative classes. Our staff consists of qualified and experienced professionals who are each intimately familiar with each of our birth centers. All series include a guided tour of our birth center. FREE with Provider One card.
Preparación para el parto (en Español) Esta clase está dedicada a aumentar su comprensión del trabajo de parto y el parto. La clase le proporciona a usted y a un acompañante información sobre el trabajo de parto y el parto, conciencia de la respiración, posiciones para el trabajo de parto, medidas de comodidad, el uso de medicamentos, parto por cesárea y vaginal después de una cesárea (PVDC) y recién nacidos. Formato de un día solamente, solo en St. Joseph Medical Center. Gratuito con una tarjeta del proveedor.
Teen Childbirth Preparation This four-week class series is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of expectant teens. Topics covered include healthy prenatal practices, labor and delivery, labor coping techniques, the use of medications, cesarean birth, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and newborns. This class series also covers material related to developing healthy self-esteem, diet and exercise, and parenting skills. FREE with Provider One card.
Especially Yours We offer a three-hour, private childbirth preparation class for the expectant mother and her companion. Registered students personally select class content and arrange the date, time and location which best suits their schedule. One-on-one instruction includes use of audiovisual aids commonly found in a typical childbirth class setting.
Online Childbirth Preparation Ideal for the busy 21st century parent, this option is well suited for families with limited flexibility to attend classes in person. Quality, evidence-based material within a simple and easy-to-use online interface. Content includes instructive videos, interactive activities, and access to handouts. Class duration is typically four to six hours.
Protecting Your Pelvic Floor Protect your pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and beyond. Franciscan physical therapists, specialists in pelvic floor muscle training, offer empowering techniques to strengthen and protect your pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy and the process of birth. Explore strategies such as birthing positions, exercises, aromatherapy, breathing methods, scar massage and maternity belt supports. Due to the personal nature of the curriculum, expectant mother and female companion only please.
Breastfeeding Preparation Although breastfeeding is considered nature’s way, many mothers find taking a class related to covering the basics of breastfeeding very beneficial. Class topics include initiation of breastfeeding, how to get breastfeeding off to the very best start, positioning options, how to know your baby is feeding well, preventing common problems, and how to access breastfeeding help after you leave the hospital.
Newborn Preparation Preparation for care of your newborn baby can help alleviate concerns, and instill a greater sense of confidence in your intuition and parenting ability. This one-time class includes topics such as care of mom and baby, car seats, immunizations, diapering and bathing, helpful hints for adjusting to new roles, and health and safety issues.
Preparation is the key to confident parenting.
Conscious Fathering So you are going to be a dad! Excited and terrified often describes the beginning stages of fatherhood. Studies reinforce what we all know, that babies need fathers as much as they need mothers, and that a father’s active involvement in his child’s life is a critical component of healthy development. This three-hour class provides a supportive environment with other dads, or dads-to-be, to learn and explore your individual definition of fatherhood and the role you will choose to play in your child’s life. You will discuss life adjustments, fears of fathering, defining priorities, methods of problem solving, the importance of partnership, basic infant care techniques, self-care and creating plans for dealing with stressful situations.
Infant massage can help parents create a lasting bond with their baby.
Infant Massage In a fun and relaxed atmosphere you will learn how to massage your baby. Hands-on practice will help you create a lasting bond with your baby— and can also help relieve common symptoms that occur with infants. Massage can help stimulate the immune system, increase circulation, and decrease gas and colic. Babies up to eight months of age are welcome.
CPR and Infant Safety This CPR course teaches life-saving skills for infants and children, relief of choking, and strategies to childproof your home. This class is intended for people who want to learn CPR but do not need a completion or certification card.
Love and Logic This course is a practical guide to teaching children responsibility through love and logic. It provides sound strategies for dealing with almost any problem adults face when communicating with children. Participants will learn specific “how-to’s,” not theoretical concepts. For more details on course content go to www.LoveandLogic.com. Can be taught at your site.
Safe Sitter Better sitters today…better parents tomorrow. Safe Sitter is an innovative, medically accurate babysitter training program designed to prepare adolescents to handle minor and major emergencies. Child safety and child care skills are the focus of this one-day class. Students must pass a test in order to fulfill the course requirements. This class is designed for 11-13 year olds. Can be taught at your site. For more details on course content, go online to www.SafeSitter.org.
FREE! Car Seat Inspection at St. Francis Hospital Estimates claim 9 out of 10 car seats are improperly installed. Used correctly, a car seat greatly reduces the chance of injury or fatality in the event of an accident. Certified car seat technicians will work with your family to ensure that: • Your child is in the appropriate seat • The seat has not been recalled • The seat is properly installed St. Francis Medical Office Building–Front Entrance 34509 9th Ave. S. Federal Way, WA 98003 Once a month, 5:30 –7 p.m. For dates, times and registration, visit www.FHShealth.org/carseat.
Discount Package Register for the discount package by calling our registration call center at your convenience, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-888-825-3227.
One-Stop Saturday Package Designed for those who care to spend a weekend day preparing for their baby’s homecoming, this one-day offering is specially priced and includes Breastfeeding Preparation, Newborn Preparation and CPR/Infant Safety. All three classes must be taken on the same day. Scholarship resources may be available. Contact our dedicated education specialist for criteria to qualify: 253-426-6253.
Support Resources Franciscan Lactation (breastfeeding) Services.............. 253-426-6756 Board-certified lactation consultants provide breastfeeding instruction and assistance in hospital or in outpatient clinic visits, and breast pump rental or purchase.
Franciscan WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Franciscan WIC Clinic–Lakewood...... 253-588-9597 11216 Bridgeport Way S.W., Lakewood Franciscan WIC Clinic–Parkland......... 253-531-2460 121 132nd St. S., Tacoma Breastfeeding information and support, community resources and referrals, food vouchers, nutrition and health education for moms and their families. Must meet eligibility criteria to participate. Clinics are located along Pierce Transit routes.
Maternity Support Services (MSS)...........................1-888-996-0903 Offered in collaboration with Step by Step, a community agency, which provides resources and referrals, education, financial assistance, housing, family planning, counseling and nutrition education. Services are provided at Franciscan WIC offices. Visit www.stepbystepnews.org.
Franciscan Children’s Immunization Program..............253-426-6938 Free immunizations for children two months old through their 19th birthday at community-based clinics. Visit www.tpchd.org.
Helpful Contacts Financial counseling..............................1-866-779-4347 Family Birth Center at St. Joseph Medical Center........................253-426-6856 Family Birth Center at St. Francis Hospital.....................................253-944-7977 Family Birth Center at St. Elizabeth Hospital.................................360-802-8530 Physician or midwife referrals.............1-888-825-3227
Have questions about our Family Education classes? Call our dedicated education specialist weekdays at 253-426-6253 or email FamilyEducation@FHShealth.org. Register online at www.FHShealth.org/childbirthclasses or call 1-888-825-3227 24 hours a day, seven days a week (se habla español).
Serving … • St. Joseph Medical Center, Tacoma • St. Francis Hospital, Federal Way • St. Clare Hospital, Lakewood • St. Elizabeth Hospital, Enumclaw • St. Anthony Hospital, Gig Harbor and surrounding communities.
Family Birth Centers 32-1009, 10/12, 10K