The West Penn Allegheny Health System
Maternity Services at WPAHS Hospitals in Pittsburgh

Prenatal Classes at Allegheny General Hospital

Prepared Childbirth (Lamaze) — These classes will truly prepare you for either a medicated or unmedicated birth. The instructor will present a well rounded, non-biased view of all the options concerning pain relief including epidurals, narcotics and natural childbirth. She will also discuss other methods of coping with pain including relaxation and breathing (Lamaze), touch, massage and guided imagery. Your labor partner will be shown ways that he/she can assist you in labor. Instead of relying on the internet or television, why not attend these classes? You will have the opportunity to receive factual information regarding labor, delivery and the postpartum period from a certified instructor, have your questions answered and interact with other pregnant couples. Class fee: $75 per couple.

Newborn Care — Caring for a newborn can be challenging. This series of three classes will prepare expectant parents by teaching them the basics of infant care. Topics include diapering, bathing, feeding, common problems, immunizations, infant safety, when to call the doctor and choosing quality childcare. Class fee: $45 per couple.

Big Brother/Big Sister Sibling Preparation Class — This sibling class is for children ages 3 to 6 to prepare for the birth of a new brother or sister. The class is taught using video, coloring books, discussion, and baby dolls. A tour of the nursery to see a newborn is included. Children should not attend if they are sick. Class fee: $15 per child/$25 for two or more.

The Happiest Baby on the Block — New parents and parents-to-be will learn step-by-step how to help babies sleep longer and how to soothe even the fussiest infant in minutes...or less! Magic? A Miracle? No, it=s a reflex! Learn Dr. Harvey Karp=s way to soothe fussy babies fast and help them sleep longer, too. A must for every parent. Fee: $45 per couple (includes parent kit: choice of VHS or DVD and a soothing sounds CDBa $40 value).

Breastfeeding — This two-part class prepares parents for the breast-feeding experience. The information will be particularly helpful to parents who have not previously breastfed; however, parents who have breastfed are also welcome. Fathers are encouraged to attend. Fee: $25 per couple.

CPR for Friends and Family — Would you know what to do if your infant or child was choking, could not breathe or their heart had stopped beating? Attend this very important class to learn how to respond in an emergency. For comfort, plan on taking this class before your 7th month of pregnancy. Fee: $25 per person.

Labor and Delivery Tours — Labor and Delivery tours are available at no charge. Please note that you are not automatically registered for a tour when you register for a class. Tour meets on the 12th floor (L&D floor) in the waiting room across from the elevator. Tour is approximately 45 minutes. Children are permitted to attend as long as they are not disruptive.

Lamaze I (General Prenatal) — During this first part of the prepared childbirth series, expectant parents will learn important information regarding their pregnancy including nutrition, exercise and danger signals. Parents-to-be will also be given in-depth information on physical care of their infant such as diapering, feeding, sleeping and basic safety. “Hands-on” practice of infant care skills and a tour of the Maternity Unit are included. Three 2 ½ hour sessions are offered monthly. Class fee (tour included): $50 per couple

Lamaze II (Prepared Childbirth) — During this second part of the Lamaze course, nationally certified instructors work with expectant mothers and fathers to help plan for childbirth, discuss options and prepare for the discomforts of labor and delivery. Parents-to-be will learn about birth and what to expect when mom comes to the hospital. Exercise, massage, relaxation, breathing and other pain management techniques will be taught. It is recommended that expectant parents attend these classes in the last two to three months of pregnancy. Four 2 ½ hour sessions are held monthly. Due to limited class size, you are encouraged to register for this class during your second trimester. Class fee (tour included): $85 per couple

Lamaze II Weekend Option — To assist the expectant couple with limited time to schedule a Lamaze II class, a two-day, weekend course is offered several times throughout the year. Class is held Friday, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Since registration is limited to 12 couples, early registration is recommended. Class fee (tour included): $85 per couple.

Meet the Doctors — A pediatrician or family practice physician will offer information on topics such as how to choose a doctor for your baby, normal newborn appearances and what to expect as new parents. A dentist will address dental concerns for the first year of life. You will also be visited by a staff anesthesiologist who will answer your questions about anesthesia for birth. One 2-hour session is offered quarterly. Class fee: $15 per couple.

Hospital Tour — To help you feel comfortable with your delivery, we recommend the Maternity Unit Tour. If you are attending Lamaze I or II, Lamaze II Weekend or Sibling Preparation, a tour IS included as part of the class. If you DO NOT plan to attend any of the classes mentioned above, please call to register for a tour. Class fee: No charge

Infant/Child CPR & Safety — This class is recommended for all parents. Emergency care of a choking infant or child, infant/child CPR techniques and infant/child safety are covered. CPR techniques are demonstrated and practiced. Car seat safety is also reviewed. One 3-hour session is offered twice monthly in the afternoon. Class fee: $20 per person. Please note that this class is not tax-deductible.

Breastfeeding Your Baby — This class is recommended for expectant parents who have decided to breastfeed or who are considering breastfeeding as their feeding choice. A board certified lactation consultant will answer your questions and provide you with useful information about breastfeeding. Topics include the benefits of breast milk, establishing a milk supply, positioning the baby, proper latch on, preventing problems and returning to work. One 3-hour session is offered every month during the evening. Class fee: $30 per couple

Sibling Preparation — It is important to prepare older children for the arrival of your new baby. The Sibling Preparation Program explores the feelings siblings share and helps them understand what life will be like with a new brother or sister. The 90-minute program is designed for soon-to-be siblings ages 3-8. You and your children should attend the class in the last two months before birth. One 90-minute session is offered one Saturday each month. Class size is limited, so please register early. Class fee (tour included): $15 per family

Infant Massage — This two-class course is designed to acquaint new parents and their infants (birth to 6 months) with the art of infant massage. The physical and emotional benefits of infant massage are emphasized throughout, as parents are taught specific techniques of loving touch. Two 90-minute sessions are offered on Saturday mornings every 3 months. Class fee: $40 per family (parents and baby); fee includes an infant massage kit

Babysitting Basics — Babysitting Basics is an American Red Cross course taught by Certified RNs for 11-13 year olds. In this interactive six-hour course, children learn basic childcare, how to handle emergencies, choking rescue techniques and business basics. One 6-hour course is offered on a Saturday 4 times a year. A one-hour break will be allotted for lunch (meal not included). Class fee: $35 per child