CHI Saint Joseph Health Maternity Education Programs Provide Vital Information About Childbirth and Parenting a Newborn - Berea - Archived

Berea, Ky. (April 11, 2019) – Preparing for a new baby is exciting, but parents-to-be may feel overwhelmed with the idea of bringing a new life into the world. Obtaining the best available knowledge and hands-on practice is the most effective way to relieve stress surrounding childbirth and parenting a newborn. At Saint Joseph Berea, we want to make sure that all expecting and new mothers feel empowered and prepared for the exciting first stages of their child’s life.

“We are here to help parents-to-be meet those important pre-delivery educational goals and needs. By attending our childbirth educational classes, parents will have a better understanding of the entire labor and delivery process, part-partum and newborn care,” said Diane Prewitt, RN, CLC, maternity education coordinator for Women’s Hospital at Saint Joseph East. “The more you understand about the process, the more confidence you will have with your experience.”

CHI Saint Joseph Health provides maternity education classes ranging in duration from four hours up to four weeks. “All of our childbirth classes follow a standard evidenced-based curriculum, so parents will receive the same information regardless of the option they choose,” said Prewitt.

In addition to having certified lactation consultants on staff to answer any questions and give insight into what to expect as your body prepares for breastfeeding, CHI Saint Joseph Health breastfeeding courses break down the basics of how breastfeeding works. Staff will demonstrate the proper positioning for successful latching and allow parents to practice the technique with professional guidance and support. The classes also cover how to manage breastfeeding and pumping for mothers who are returning to work.

Prewitt said it’s also important for fathers and partners to attend breastfeeding classes. “Statistics show the more support a mother has, the longer she will breastfeed,” she said.

“Education gives you power,” said Prewitt. “It is our desire for parents to be as educated as possible prior to delivery. We want parents to understand the process of labor and delivery, post-partum and the bonding magic of Kangaroo Care. We want them to gain confidence and feel empowered about their care, and we encompass all of these within our classes. Most of all, we want parents to be confident in themselves.”

To learn more about maternity education programs from CHI Saint Joseph Health, visit www.chisaintjosephhealth.org/baby or call 859.967.2229 (BABY).

About CHI Saint Joseph Health
CHI Saint Joseph Health, part of Catholic Health Initiatives, is one of the largest and most comprehensive health systems in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with 135 locations in 20 counties, including hospitals, physician groups, clinics, primary care centers, specialty institutes and home health agencies. In total, the health system serves patients in 35 counties statewide. CHI Saint Joseph Health is dedicated to building healthier communities by elevating patient care through an integrated physical and behavioral health delivery system. CHI Saint Joseph Health embodies a strong mission and faith-based heritage and works through local partnerships to expand access to care in the communities it serves.

About Saint Joseph Berea
Saint Joseph Berea is a 25-bed critical access hospital located in Berea, KY. Established in 1898 on the grounds of Berea College, the facility serves residents of Madison, Estill, Garrard, Jackson and Rockcastle counties. Saint Joseph Berea recognizes the importance of family, friends and familiar surroundings in the healing process and provides a breadth of services so that getting first-rate care doesn’t have to mean being far from home.

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For More Information:
Mary Branham, Director, Communications
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