INTEGRIS Health

This holistic Understanding Birth class meets from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Conference Room A and B at INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Hospital. 

This course includes eight weeks of classes plus one bonus physical therapy class and a mock delivery in an LDRP room. Moms are encouraged to register during 14 to 16 weeks into their pregnancy.

NOTE: Only register one person. You may up to two support persons.

Understanding Birth covers the following topics:

• Pregnancy: anatomy, preeclampsia and warning signs, preterm labor, hazards, emotions, healthy nutrition, physical changes and challenges, etc.
• Labor: Pain theories, 5 Ps of labor, signs labor is near, onset of labor, stages of labor, the importance of being relaxed and having a relaxed support system, skin-to-skin contact with mom and dad/support team, etc.
• Birth Stories (varies by format): Stories show how the stages of labor unfold in real life, introducing examples of natural coping techniques, partner support, medicated pain relief and cesareans.
• Comfort Techniques: Birth preferences, labor support, breathing, relaxation, massage, visualization, focal points, hydrotherapy, back labor, partner advice and when and how to push. We focus on being able to RELAX!
• Medical Choices/Procedures: Decision-making, induction, fetal monitoring, IVs, analgesics, epidural anesthesia, labor and pushing positions with epidural, augmentation and second-stage interventions.
• Cesarean Birth: Reasons for a cesareans, anesthesia, 3D animation of surgery, recovery, reducing the risk for cesarean birth.
• Initial Newborn care: Practicing together changing diapers, dressing, how to hold a baby, how to transfer with confidence from one person to another, bathing and Q&A. 
• Beginning Breastfeeding: How to get a good latch for a proper transfer of milk from breast to baby, teaching dad/support person the positions – then, letting them teach moms, establishing a positive mindset around breastfeeding, some challenges, the advantages for both mom and baby and Q&A.
• Postpartum: This is important time. Too often we overlook or minimize this time, forcing moms to take on too much too fast which interferes with their recovery, healthy breastfeeding and heathy relationships!

Class instructor JeannaLynn May, RN-BSN, CCE, brings more than 24 years of experience in labor and delivery, postpartum care and childbirth education. A board-certified childbirth educator and life coach, she has served families at INTEGRIS Health Canadian Valley Women’s Center since 2002, bringing a deep-seated, genuine passion to her classes and the families she serves.

If you have questions, email jenna.may@integrishealth.org or call 405-717-7860.

NOTE: Only register one person. You may bring up to 2 support persons.

REFUND POLICY