Southwest Memorial Hospital has announced its birthing classes, featuring one-day and two-day sessions for expectant parents.
One-day classes, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., are on Saturday, June 14, and Saturday, Oct. 11, covering labor, childbirth, coping techniques, breastfeeding, and care for mother and baby.
Two-day classes, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., are on Wednesday, Aug. 6, and Wednesday, Aug. 13, as well as Wednesday, Dec. 3, and Wednesday, Dec. 10. These sessions may include a tour of the hospital’s family birthing center.
Nikole Young, Southwest Health Systems quality coordinator, said the bimonthly childbirth classes help the hospital connect with the community. Meals are provided based on the course and time.
“It’s a team effort,” Young said. “There is other nursing staff in our department who will help with the classes, and it’s wonderful because it is a great way to provide outreach in our community, to connect with patients before they come in to deliver their babies.”
Average attendance is four couples, and many become friends. During the courses, parents will have hands-on learning and meals.
Expectant parents don’t have to be planning to deliver their baby in Cortez or have a doctor in Cortez. Anyone is welcome to attend, regardless of pregnancy stage or birth plans. Hospital staff recommend attending at the end of the second trimester and the beginning of the third trimester.
“We cover the topics of what to expect through the end of pregnancy, what to expect in labor and delivery, and then the first part of postpartum and breastfeeding,” said birthing center nurse Morgan Winslow.
Many parents have reported reduced anxiety and better preparation for labor following the classes after learning more about the process and getting to know the health care providers who will be there supporting them.
Winslow added that having her own baby and attending the classes with her husband, as well as teaching them, helped her feel more prepared.
“He felt like it was really helpful to get an idea of what the labor process is going to look like,” Winslow said. “I think that’s very unknown for a lot of people, and it puts them at ease to have some techniques and strategies in the back of their mind for how they’re going to walk through that together.”
At the end of every class, pediatric providers talk through questions the expectant parents might have.
“I think it’s a really cool experience to have people interact with doctors and let them get a little knowledge base on expectations when you take your baby home,” said birthing center nurse Caroline Bogott.
Those unable to attend in person can join online. The childbirth classes at Southwest Memorial have had remote attendees from Florida, Wyoming and Arizona.
“I think it’s the coolest opportunity to be able to support people through their pregnancy and birth journey and get to build those relationships with them before the baby is born,” Winslow said. “Oftentimes we get to be there when they’re actually delivering.”
All classes are in the Kiva Room at Southwest Memorial Hospital, 1311 N. Mildred Road. Preregistration is required: Call (970) 564-2245 or visit the hospital's website.
