St. Joseph's Hospital - Breese Services Women's Health Having A Baby Women & Infants Center Classes & Events
St Joseph Breese Women in birthing classes

Women & Infants Center Classes & Events

The Women and Infants Center has a variety of classes to meet your needs. Our teaching staff consists of experienced nurses who often have additional training and certifications to be able to teach our prenatal classes.
 
We want to encourage you to learn as much as you can about how to prepare for your new little one before your baby arrives. 

Babysitting

 

If you're at least 11 and want to start babysitting, this is the class for you. You'll learn how to safely care for infants and children up to age 10 – and make yourself the first choice for moms across the neighborhood! In this class you'll have hands-on training on skills including:

  •     Changing diapers

  •     Bottle and spoon feeding

  •     Home and play safety practices

  •     Good hygiene

  •     Emergency response including first aid and rescue breathing

  •     Managing and disciplining toddlers

  •     Entertaining big kids

  •     And more

You'll take home a binder full of resources you can refer to when you're babysitting too!


Breastfeeding

 

Get the answers and confidence to get started breastfeeding in this one-night, two-hour session. Take the class during or after the fifth month of pregnancy. Topics include:

  • Benefits of Breastfeeding

  • Importance of exclusive breastfeeding

  • The importance of Skin-to-Skin

  • The importance of early initiation of breastfeeding

  • The importance of rooming-in with your baby

  • Feeding Cues

  • Effective positioning & latch

  • Breastfeeding support resources

  • Establishing a good milk supply

  • Nonpharmological pain relief methods in labor

Car Seat Safety Check

 

Seventy-three percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly. Is your car seat safe? Find out at one of the Car Seat Safety Checks hosted by St. Joseph's Hospital, Community link, Early Head Start, AAA, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Secretary of State's office. It's totally free – simply stop by the Check for a free expert inspection. Bring your vehicle manual and car seat instruction booklet.


Know Your Newborn

 

At this one-night session you'll learn what to expect as a new parent. A great class for new dads! Topics include:

  • What to expect in the hospital

  • Bringing baby home

  • First few weeks home

  • Baby behaviors

  • Taking care of baby

  • Home safety and infant CPR

  • Car seat installation and safety

Prepared Childbirth

 

The Prepared Childbirth class was created to help you learn about labor and delivery and decrease anxiety over the process. Topics include:

  • The role of a "labor coach"

  • Signs of labor

  • What to expect during labor and delivery

  • Breathing and relaxation techniques

  • Variations of labor and delivery

  • Caesarean birth

  • Options for labor and delivery

You'll also receive a guided tour of the Women & Infants Center.


Siblings Class

 

Perfect for 3 to 10 year-olds expecting a new sibling. Trained leaders will encourage future brothers and sisters to talk about their anticipations and concerns. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Topics include:

  • Practicing how to hold, feed, bathe and diaper

  • Tour of the Women & Infants Center

  • Creation of a special gift for baby

  • Viewing an education video of the birthing experience