Prenatal Classes and Services

St. Jude Medical Center offers a variety of educational programs to help prepare families for the birth of a new baby. Our programs are designed to make the childbirth experience more meaningful and positive, and help the family adjust after the baby is born. We strongly encourage you to register for your childbirth classes during your fifth month of pregnancy. The earlier you sign up for classes, the more options and flexibility you will have with dates, times and classes you desire. Registration can be done by mailing the form given to you by your physician's office or by telephone. For information or to register, call (800) 870-7537.

Maternity Open House

Hear about St. Jude Medical Center's Mother Baby Unit and familiarize yourself with the programs and services available to expectant parents. Plan to come to the open house early in your pregnancy. This program is held once a month.

Prepared Childbirth Class

Prepared childbirth classes are a must for first-time parents. These comprehensive childbirth classes will help you be prepared and confident as you approach your big day. Our certified team of instructors is available to provide everything that you need to know. For those who have decided to have epidural anesthesia and think that they do not need these classes...think again. There is more to labor than pain control.

The classes include:

• Anatomy and physiology of pregnancy
• The labor and birth process
• Signs of labor
• Stages and phases of labor
• Coping methods
• Pain management
• Common complications
• Promoting communication with your caregiver

Our classes will teach you breathing, relaxation and positions that are important tools throughout your labor. All of this information has been customized to your delivery at St. Jude.

If you feel overloaded with information that you have received through books, television, websites, or acquaintances, our instructors will help you weed through it all so you can focus on what is most important: creating a positive birth experience.

Please complete your classes by the 36th week of pregnancy. You never know when your little one will choose to arrive!

Breastfeeding: Part I Getting Started

Babies are born to be breastfed and this prenatal class offers practical information and tips to get you off to a great start. Learn latching and positioning techniques, how to establish or increase an abundant milk supply, signs of success and how to avoid or treat common breastfeeding concerns. In-depth discussion about the first days of feeding, the importance of skin-to-skin contact and rooming-in at the hospital to learn and respond to your baby's hunger cues. The main focus of this class is the early weeks and months of nursing. Parents leave this class feeling more confident in their ability to nourish their newborn and to make informed feeding choices. This one-time class may be taken after the fifth month of pregnancy, prior to giving birth. The price of the class includes your spouse or partner, who is encouraged to attend.

Newborn Baby Care Series

How will your baby adjust to life outside the womb? How will you adjust to life with a newborn? From the first hours after birth to the first weeks at home this class offers information, tips and proven techniques to keep your baby safe, happy and healthy. Using doll models, you'll learn the basics of bathing, diapering, swaddling, umbilical cord and circumcision care and how to calm a crying baby. Newborn health concerns, signs of illness, how to take a temperature, and when to call the doctor will be reviewed. Other topics include:

• Car seat safety
• Reducing the risk of SIDS
• Maintaining a safe home environment

This fun, confidence-boosting class is full of critical concepts you'll put into practice as you welcome your new baby home! This series is designed for one pregnant mom and their spouse or partner.