Oh, Baby! Prenatal and Infant Care Classes

Oh, Baby! offers a variety of comprehensive prenatal and infant care educational classes to help expectant and new parents and their babies get off to a great start. Support and expertise do not end at the last class session. The staff in the Sarah Bush Lincoln Women and Children's Center are happy to answer your questions. To assist you after your baby arrives, our lactation consultant is on staff to help you make a smooth transition to breastfeeding.

Oh, Baby! XTREME! and the Five-Week Comprehensive Oh, Baby Class Session include:

...and so much more!  

Register for classes

Pre-registration is required for all classes. All class session dates are subject to change.

Why should I take Oh, Baby! classes?

Lots of reasons!

Oh, Baby! Is especially designed for our expectant mothers and their birth partners. It includes a lot more than simple breathing and relaxation techniques. You'll learn about birthing choices that are offered at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Women and Children's Center and you'll learn about issues you haven't even thought of that will be very important to you during labor and delivery. And your birth partner will learn how to help you throughout your birth experience.

It is the expectation of Sarah Bush's Women and Children's Center's physicians and nursing staff that all first-time mothers attend Oh, Baby! classes with their birth partners. It makes your job so much easier! We also strongly encourage those who have delivered before to attend the classes as a review. The Women and Children's Center really cares about you, your baby and your birth experience. We deliver families daily, and each one is so very special. And that's why we've designed this very unique program.

Here are a few of the benefits you will receive when you attend Oh, Baby!

Which Oh, Baby! classes should I take?

Five-Week Comprehensive Prepared Childbirth Sessions
($60 fee - $30 review fee) 

Class content includes: breathing and relaxation techniques, active breathing techniques for labor and birth, signs and stages of labor, pain relief choices in medication for labor, tour of the Women and Children’s Center, infant safety while you are at the hospital, postpartum and caesarean birth. Numerous birth videos are shown.

Bring: Two or three pillows and a blanket or sleeping bag.
PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Sundays from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
January 20 - February 17
February 24 - March 24
April 7 - May 5
June 2 - June 30
July 28 - August 25
September 15 - October 20 (no class Oct. 6)
November 3 - December 8 (no class Dec. 1)

Wednesdays from 7 to 9:30 p.m.
February 6 - March 6
March 20 - April 17
May 8 - June 5
July 10 - August 7
August 14 - September 11
October 9 - November 6
November 13 - December 18 (no class Nov. 20)

Oh, Baby XTREME!
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ($60 fee - $30 review fee)

Class content includes: breathing and relaxation techniques, active breathing techniques for labor and birth, signs and stages of labor, pain relief choices in medication for labor, tour of the Women and Children’s Center, infant safety while you are at the hospital, postpartum and caesarean birth. Numerous birth videos are shown.

Bring: Two or three pillows and a blanket or sleeping bag.
PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

January 12
February 9
March 9
April 13
May 11
June 8
July 13
August 17
September 14
October 19
November 16
December 14

We've Got Your Back! Epidural Class
This class is for expectant mothers who wish to have an epidural or intrathecal (another type of pain relief medication) during her labor. One of our anesthesiologists will explain the procedures, advantages and disadvantages in terms you can understand. Our perinatal education coordinator will provide additional information so you and your doctor can make an educated decision. A copy of the consent will be provided to you. This class is highly recommended for all women delivering at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

Pre-registration is required.
Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  (free)
 January 15
February 26
April 9
May 28
July 9
August 27
October 1
November 12

Bootie Kamp Infant Care Seminar
We always wished they came with instructions – now they do. Bootie Kamp is a special presentation that discusses newborn appearances, conditions and procedures, and caring for your baby. Diapering, feeding, burping, caring for the umbilical cord and more are a few of the topics discussed. Grandparents and other family members are encouraged to attend this class.

Fee: included in the Oh, Baby! Five-Week Comprehensive and Oh, Baby! Xtreme prepared childbirth class programs, or $5 per family.

Sundays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. (included in $60 fee)
January 20
February 24
April 7
May 19
June 23
July 28
August 25
September 29
November 3
December 8

Feed Me, I'm Yours Breastfeeding Seminar
This class is a must for those expectant mothers who wish to breastfeed, and for expectant mothers who have tried to breastfeed before, but unsuccessfully. Birth partners, as well as supportive family members and friends, are encouraged to attend.

Class content includes:
    • The basics of breastfeeding
    • The art of breastfeeding: How to make it work for you
    • Common problems and concerns
    • Pumping and storing breast milk
    • Working and breastfeeding – yes, you can!
    • What do I need to breastfeed?

Fee: included in the Oh, Baby! Five-Week Comprehensive and
Oh, Baby! Xtreme prepared childbirth class programs, or $5 per family.

Fridays from 7 to 9:15 p.m. (included in $60 fee)
January 4
February 15
March 22
April 26
May 24
June 14
July 19
August 9
September 6
October 11
November 8
December 6

Infant Child CPR
This class covers all the things you need to know to save your baby in the event of a medical emergency. We encourage every expectant parent, as well as family members and friends who may be caring for your baby, to attend this class. It can be attended before or after your baby has arrived. Babes in arms are welcome.

Our Infant Child CPR course follows the guidelines of the American Heart Association. However, this course is NOT designed for certification. It will provide you with all the information you need to stabilize your baby in an emergency until help arrives.

Fee: $10 per mother and birth partner, $5 for each additional class participant.

Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. ($10 fee)
May 4
January 4
February 22
April 5
May 10
June 14
July 12
August 16
September 13
October 4
November 1
December 13

Big Brother, Big Sister Pajama Party Sibling Class
This fun course is excellent for preparing the little people already in your household for a new baby! It includes a kids’ tour of the Women and Children’s Center, discussion of basic baby do’s and don’ts, movies with popcorn, photo op, and more!

Fee: $5 per family, or included in the Oh, Baby! Five-Week Comprehensive and Oh, Baby! Xtreme prepared childbirth class programs.

Fridays from 7 to 8 p.m. (included in $60 fee)
January 18
March 8
April 26
May 31
June 22
July 26
September 6
October 25
December 6

Parent 2 Parent
This free course includes: Support group for parents, grandparents and supporting family members of children birth to four years.

Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m.
January 8
February 5
March 5
April 2
May 7
September 3
October 1
November 5
December 13

Safe and Snug Car Seat Class
We’re thrilled to bring you this service from the Mattoon Police Department. Car seat safety information will be provided by Mattoon police officers who are also certified car seat technicians. A discussion and question and answer period will be included. Bring your car seat installed in your vehicle (if possible) and the car seat techs will assess it, insuring that it is properly installed, and that it is the right seat for your baby. In the State of Illinois, children must be properly restrained in an appropriate car seat upon leaving the hospital and at any other time thereafter. Anyone who will be transporting your child is encouraged to attend. More than one car seat can be checked per family. The best time to attend is prior to 36 weeks of pregnancy, but all parents are also welcome.

Fee: FREE.  Pre-registration is required. Call to register: 217 258-2229.
Sunday, February 10 - 1 to 3 pm

How do I register?

Pre-registration is required for all classes. All class session dates are subject to change.

What if I cannot afford the fee?

We will not turn away expectant parents who plan to deliver their baby at Sarah Bush Lincoln due to an inability to pay the class fee. For more information, or to discuss payment arrangements, please contact the Office of Perinatal Education at the phone number above.

Additional Services

Birth Companions

At the Women & Children’s Center, we want you to have the most pleasant and comfortable birth experience possible. That’s why we offer personal, professional birth assistance, or Birth Companions, available to assist you and your family. Your Birth Companion does not take the place of your birth partner. The Birth Companion serves as a “coach to the coach.” If you do not have a birth partner, your birth companion can provide all the tender loving care you need.
 
Birth Companions accepts expectant mothers into the program, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a FREE service of the Women & Children’s Center. A limited number of women can be accepted. Call the Office of Perinatal Education to enroll in the Birth Companions program at 217 258- or 348-BABY (2229).

Parent 2 Parent support group for new families

A FREE service offering information, discussion and support about becoming a mom. Also, great speakers and refreshments provided. Bring your own baby!

Meeting the first Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7 pm in the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education.  Call 217 258- or 348-BABY (2229) to confirm meeting location and furthur information. No pre-registration required.

Your Health

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