UnityPoint Health is expanding its in-person prenatal education classes and offering them at no cost to moms, expecting moms and their partners, according to a news release.
Beginning in November, Trinity will offer a Prenatal Education 3-Week Series, including Breastfeeding Part One and Two and Infant Care classes, in person at both UnityPoint Health hospitals in Moline and Bettendorf.
“We believe that all people should have the education and opportunity to learn about how to prepare for and care for their growing family,” Mercedes Wayne, prenatal education coordinator at UnityPoint Health – Trinity, said in the release.
“Offering these free to all ensures equal access to the latest, evidence-based best practices and support for those who are expecting.”
Classes are led by a skilled team of nurses and prenatal educators at UnityPoint Health – Trinity who cover a wide variety of topics. They include everything from what to expect during labor and birth to postpartum recovery.
Virtual tours available
Parents also can virtually tour the UnityPoint Health Birthing Centers at the Moline and Bettendorf campuses by visiting unitypoint.org.
Ms. Wayne said the classes help personalize the birthing and postpartum experience for expecting parents. “Knowledge is empowering, especially when it comes to birth and newborn care. Prenatal education classes help ease anxiety and reduce fear for moms and their partners,” she said.
“We want parents to walk away with confidence in themselves and in the facility and staff at UnityPoint Health.”
In the release, she added that the classes are not solely geared toward first-time parents, but also moms and dads who already have had babies.
“These classes help parents understand all the possible situations you may find yourself in and help you feel confident in your decision-making to ensure a healthy delivery,” she said.
“Class participants also help make the class what it is. You may already have one or two kids at home and still learn something new. The birth of every baby is special and preparing for that is time well spent.”
The virtual birthing class, Understanding Birth eClass, also is available for parents to take at their own pace from home for $50. It is available in multiple languages.
To register for the classes and for more information, visit unitypoint.org.
