Childbirth Preparation Classes
Preparing for your new baby is an exciting experience! Newton Medical Center offers a variety of classes designed to prepare expectant parents for the birth and caring of the new baby in a positive and joyful way.
Every woman giving birth confidently is the goal of our childbirth preparation classes. We want every mother to understand the progression of labor and delivery, and learn to maximize the full range of comfort and support options. The classes also deal with care of the newborn and how this miracle changes lives. All classes are open to any expectant mother and a partner, regardless of the hospital the mother chooses for the birth. Instructors are registered nurses with additional training in childbirth education. Enrollment is requested in advance whenever possible. Class fees vary according to the type of class and where you are delivering. Ask about the cost when enrolling. Some insurance companies cover the cost of childbirth preparation classes. Financial assistance also is available.
All classes meet at Newton Medical Center, 600 Medical Center Drive. All class fees listed are for only those delivering at NMC. If you are not delivering at NMC and still would like to take a class you are more than welcome to attend classes. All classes include a tour of the Maternal/Child Unit. Please call the Materal Child Unit for fee information or to enroll at 316-804-6176.
2008 Class Schedule
Our classes Include information about labor, birth, and babies.
Five-Week Course
This course, offered throughout the year, will help you know what to expect in the hospital through labor, delivery, birth, and the first hours of a new life. Included are the physical and emotional skills to cope with labor and delivery.
These 2 1/2 hour classes meet once a week for five weeks on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Plan to start the class series around the 30-32nd week of your pregnancy. The cost for this course series is $35 if you are delivering at NMC.
You will receive a course manual as well as other helpful reading materials. Classes are supplemented with videos, slides, and discussion of common concerns. A birth/parenting library also is available.
Younger Mothers Class
This 5-week course is designed for the young mother-to-be, single or with a partner. Topics included in the Childbirth Preparation course will be covered with additional emphasis on the impact of parenthood on teen and single mothers. These classes meet on Tuesday nights. Cost is $20.
Weekend Classes
Eight weekend classes are planned in 2007 - January, March, April, June, August, September, October and November. Topics include those covered in the Childbirth Preparation course. Classes meet on Friday night for 2-2 1/2 hours followed by class all day Saturday. The cost for this class is $45, which includes lunch on Saturday.
Refresher Childbirth Preparation Class
Mothers who have previously completed a Childbirth Education class may attend a shortened version of the five-week course or part of the weekend class. If you have previously taken a Childbirth Preparation class at NMC, there is no charge for the refresher classes.
Car Seat Safety Checks: As part of our childbirth preparation classes, we give parents the opportunity to have a certified child passenger safety technician teach them how to install a car seat. Appointments for car seat checks are available one evening a month to those enrolled in classes. These checks take approximately 30 minutes. Daytime appointments can also be scheduled.
Baby & Me Class (Sibling Preparation)
Baby and Me is a sibling preparation class for children ages 3-8 who are anticipating the birth of a baby in their family. The class is taught by a registered nurse who is an experienced mother. She leads the children in discussion about the development of a baby, the birth, baby's needs, what babies can and can't do, and how siblings can help. A video and snack time are included as well as an optional tour of the Maternal/Child Unit. (This class is not meant to prepare children to attend the birth.)
The classes are scheduled once a month on Saturday mornings in the Newton Medical Center Prairie Room. Cost is $5 per family. Plan to have your children attend one to six weeks before the baby is expected. A parent must accompany each child.
After Birth Consultation
We offer a free weight-check visit for baby one to two days after dismissal from the hospital. The baby is weighed to make sure breastfeeding is going well. Mother can also ask questions about breastfeeding, baby care or taking care of herself. An average visit lasts one hour.
Our goal is to help you nurture and nourish your baby so that you both will be healthy and happy!
Best Beginnings
A free well-baby clinic twice a week in the Newton Medical Center Maternal Child Unit for after your baby is born. Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays, Noon to 2 p.m.
Parents can bring their babies, newborn through 12 months, to the clinic. Baby will be weighed and parents can ask Maternal/Child registered nurses questions on infant care
Breast Feeding Store
Newton Medical Center now has a Breastfeeding Store located in the Maternal/Child Unit. We carry Medela breast pumps and accessories. We also carry Medela nursing bras, including larger sizes. Our store is open when a lactation consultant is available.
Support Groups
The Newton and Harvey County support groups listed below meet a variety of needs.
If you have updated information on any of these groups, or wish to add a group, please contact us at info@newmedctr.org.
This list is compiled as a community service only. These groups are not sponsored by Newton Medical Center.
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Association
284-6920 or 800-487-0510
Information, counseling, shelter
Dystonia Support Group
316-282-0392 (Luanne Nulf)
Neurologists/physicians encouraged to attend
FOCUS Caregivers Support Group
Meets the 1st Thursday of every month at 7 p.m.
Presbyterian Manor Library, 1200 E. 7th. For more information
316-283-5400
Leukemia Society Family Support Group
Second Monday of every month, 7 p.m.
6611 East Central, Wichita
316-687-2222
Mothers of Multiple Blessings Support Group
Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m.
St. Luke's Presbyterian Church, 808 East 6th, Newton
282-6211 (Melinda) or 283-4492 (Tami)
Narcotics Anonymous
Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 8 p.m. Thursday, 7 p.m.
Sunday women's meeting, 7 p.m.
Basement of 429 East First, Newton
Newton Area Cancer Support Group
Second Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Conference Room, Central Care Cancer Center, Newton Medical Center
316-284-0156
Overeaters Anonymous
Weekly
316-283-4116 (Sue)
Spirit One 12 Step Group
Every Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Hesston Inter-Mennonite, 505 South Ridge Road, Hesston
316-283-517 (John)
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Every Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Kidron Bethel Community Room
283-5192 (Betty)