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
Sundays from 4:30 to 6:45 p.m. ($60 fee - $30 review fee) 
January 8 - February 5
February 26 - March 25
April 15 - May 13
June 10 - July 15 (Off July 1)
July 29 - August 26
September 23 - October 21
December 2 - January 6 (Off December 23)

Wednesdays from 7 to 9:15 p.m.
Dec 7 - Jan 11(no class 12/28)
2012
February 8 - March 7
March 21 - April 18
May 16 - June 13
July 11 - August 8
August 29 - September 26
October 24 - November 14 (4 week session)

Oh, Baby XTREME!
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ($60 fee - $30 review fee)
Dec 10
2012
January 14
February 11
March 10
April 14
May 26
June 16
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 13
November 10
December 8

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 p.m.  (free)
2012
January 10
February 28
April 10
May 29
July 10
August 28
October 9
November 20

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 3:15 p.m. (included in $60 fee)
Dec 11
2012
January 22
February 26
April 1
May 13
June 10
July 22
August 26
September 30
November 4
December 16

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)
Dec 16
2012
January 20
February 10
March 16
April 13
May 4
June 15
July 13
August 17
September 14
October 5
November 2
December 14

Happiest Baby on the Block
This class explains how easy it is to calm even the fussiest of infants once you can see the world from their point of view. Inside the womb newborns are continually fed, shushed, jiggled and cuddled, but have trouble adjusting those first three months outside the womb. With the approach of Dr. Harvey Karp and his nationally acclaimed program, you will learn how to calm your crying baby in minutes… even seconds! Master this extraordinary approach and learn about The Missing 4th Trimester, The Calming Reflex, The 5 S’s and The Cuddle Cure. This is also encouraged for family members who may be responsible for baby’s care.

Fee: $30 for mom and birth partner, plus grandparents can attend with them for free. Includes two and a half hours of instruction, the “Happiest Baby on the Block” DVD and the “Super-Soother” White Noise CD.

Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. ($30 fee)
Nov 29
2012
January 27
March 9
May 25
June 22
July 27
October 26
December 7

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 w ith 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)
Nov 11
2012
January 6
February 24
April 13
May 4
June 8
July 13
August 17
September 14
October 5
November 2
December 14

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)
Dec 9
2012
January 20
March 9
April 20
May 25
June 22
July 27
September 7
October 26
December 7

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 for upcoming class dates: 217 258-2229.

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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