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 is also 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 would still 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 Maternal/Child Unit for fee information or to enroll at 316-804-6176 or e-mail Carol Denno at carol.denno@newmedctr.org.
Our classes include information about labor, birth and babies:
- Labor and birth topics: Relaxation techniques, breathing patterns, positions to help during labor, Caesarean deliveries and medication used in labor, such as IV narcotics and epidurals.
- Newborn topics: Bathing, diapering and swaddling, baby behaviors, feedings and discussion on breastfeeding by Newton Medical Center Lactation Consultant Roberta Steventon, RN, BSN, IBCLC.
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 Tuesday 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 Newton Medical Center.
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.
Weekend Classes
Topics include those covered in the Childbirth Preparation course. Classes meet on Friday night for 2-2 1/2 hours, followed by an all-day Saturday class. 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 Newton Medical Center, 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 and 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, a 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. The cost is $5 per family. Plan to have your children attend 1–6 weeks before the baby is expected. A parent must accompany each child.
After-birth Consultation
We offer a free weight-check visit for baby 1–2 days after dismissal from the hospital. The baby is weighed to make sure that breastfeeding is going well. Mother can also ask questions about breastfeeding, baby care and 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 is offered twice a week in the Newton Medical Center Maternal/Child Unit for after your baby is born — Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon–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.
Monthly Diabetes Support Group
An accredited diabetes education program and support group is hosted by diabetes educators at Newton Medical Center.
The group meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the north end of the Newton Medical Center cafeteria. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Seating is limited. Please RSVP at 316-804-6005.
Lindsey Elder, BSN, RN
Diabetes Educator
Joint Camp Seminar
Want to know more about hip and knee pain? Attend our free seminar to learn about some of the causes and latest treatments for hip and knee pain.
Registration is required; please call Amanda Church, RN, BSN, at 316-804-6222.
2011 Seminar Schedule
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 20
November 17
December 15
All classes are at 10 a.m. at Newton Medical Center.
Support Groups
The Newton and Harvey County support groups listed below meet a variety of needs. This list is compiled as a community service only. These groups are not sponsored by Newton Medical Center. If you have updated information on any of these groups, or wish to add a group, please contact us at info@newmedctr.org.
- 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
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 - 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)