CLEARFIELD – Having a baby is an exciting time. It can also be an anxious time. There are many questions parents-to-be have as their baby’s arrival date draws closer.
Fortunately, the answers to those questions can be found by taking part in Clearfield Hospital’s Childbirth Education Program.
“Education is the key to decreasing fear and anxiety about childbirth. Some people believe that childbirth education is just about breathing techniques, but it’s much more,” stated Denise Smeal, registered nurse and certified childbirth educator.
She continued, “Parents who have completed the classes alleviate many of the fears they have about childbirth, thus allowing them to have a more enjoyable and memorable experience when they bring their child into the world.”
Smeal has been teaching childbirth classes at Clearfield Hospital for 10 years and said the program is beneficial for all moms-to-be and dads-to-be, whether they’re first-time parents or they already have children.
“We have some who enroll again because they want a refresher course; they want to learn about any new developments or trends since their last pregnancy,” Smeal said.
Clearfield Hospital’s Childbirth Education Program is a series of four two-hour classes held Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at the hospital’s home health building, located at 440 W. Front St., Clearfield.
The course is free for parents delivering at Clearfield Hospital, but is available for a nominal fee to expectant parents delivering elsewhere.
Expectant mothers should be 32 weeks gestation by the start date of class. Women are strongly encouraged to bring a partner with them, as well as a pillow, which is used during relaxation exercises.
Information is presented through lectures, videos and question and answer sessions. Participants also practice relaxation and breathing techniques. Each couple receives a free book about childbirth and infant care.
Topics covered during the course include:
• Discomforts of pregnancy and coping techniques.
• Understanding labor and delivery, including the warning signs and stages.
• Relaxation exercises to help during labor, including breathing exercises and hydrotherapy (whirlpool).
• Pain management.
• Special situations such as Cesarean birth.
• The role of the labor partner.
• Hospital procedures.
• Caring for mother after delivery.
• Infant care, including breastfeeding and safety.
Smeal said she encourages participants to ask questions and make observations during class. She said she believes the comforting atmosphere she strives to create makes it easier for attendees to share their concerns.
“I don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed or be afraid to ask questions. I’m here to empower them with knowledge and help ease their fears,” she said.
The next series of childbirth classes will begin May 7. Other 2008 classes are scheduled to start July 9, Sept. 3 and Nov. 5.
Class size is limited to 20 couples. However, Smeal said additional courses will be incorporated into the schedule if the number of participants exceeds the available openings.
For more information or to register, please contact Clearfield Hospital’s Department of Education at 768-2345.
Clearfield Hospital has a long history of providing obstetrics care dating back to the early 1900s.
In 2007, major renovations to the unit were completed and involved the construction of four Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum suites; the addition of three private patient rooms; new furniture and equipment; and the addition of a hydrotherapy room.
Dr. Thomas A. Carnevale, chief of obstetrics, leads the team which includes Dr. Allan Ho, who joined the medical staff in January, and specially trained, highly qualified nurses, many of whom have spent the majority of their nursing careers caring for new mothers and their infants.
The unit is named the Armstrong Birthing Center in memory of the late B. Ellen “Bert” Armstrong, registered nurse and unit manager who devoted 50 years to Clearfield Hospital.