Childbirth Education
The birth of your baby is one of the most exciting and joyful times in your life. At Kaleida Health, our Childbirth Classes at Women & Children’s and Millard Fillmore Suburban hospitals are designed with you and your family in mind. Our experienced staff will work with you to help ensure the safest and most satisfying birth experience possible. We’ll explain the facts and options available in maternity care and answer all of your questions. Visit our comprehensive maternity website BuffaloBaby.org for more information and to view the amenities offered at both Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital and Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo.
Classes include instructions about labor and delivery, breathing techniques, exercises, caesarean births, recovery, and infant feeding and care. Sibling classes, as well as classes in infant safety, development and stimulation, are also offered. New class sessions begin regularly and various day, evening, and weekend options are available. Tours at each hospital are given on weekly basis by appointment.
Classes offered
Prepared Childbirth Class: A three-week series covering the basic anatomy and physiology of pregnancy, comfort during pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum care, Cesarean delivery, and breathing and relaxation techniques.
Birthing Basics for Busy Parents: A capsulated version of the 3-week Prepared Childbirth Class, taught on a Saturday and includes a maternity tour.
Prepared Childbirth for Teenage Parents: A 3-week series focusing on the special needs of teenage parents as they prepare for the birth of their baby. This includes labor and delivery, Caesarean delivery, postpartum and newborn care, and a review of breathing techniques. This class also includes a maternity tour. Held at Women & Children's Hospital only.
Childbirth Refresher Class: A review of labor and delivery as well as breathing and relaxation techniques for parents who have already experienced birth.
Breastfeeding Class: Learn about feeding patterns, proper positioning techniques, tips on juggling work and breastfeeding, pumping and storage of breast milk, and more.
Breastfeeding and the Working Mother: Master the art of using the breast pump and the proper storage of breast milk. This class is designed to help mothers whose busy lives may include returning to work or other challenges. Plan to attend class when baby is 3 to 5 weeks old. Held at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital only.
Baby Basics and Beyond: A review of the latest issues in infant care and development of the child as it grows. Teaching includes newborn appearance and characteristics, basic infant care including feeding, bathing, sleep patterns, safety and much more. This class helps to boost confidence and ease the transition into parenthood.
Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method is a unique method of relaxed childbirth education, enhanced by self hypnosis techniques. Hypnobirthing provides the missing link that allows a woman to use their natural instincts to bring about a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing.
Contact: Kari Kukoda, (716) 868-0319
Infant Massage: In this series of infant massage classes you will learn hands on, relaxing techniques to soothe your little one. This 4-week class focuses on bonding, communication skills, and nurturing touch techniques to soothe a fussy baby, assist with colic, encourage restful sleep, and more. Open to parents or grandparents, and babies between the ages of 6 weeks and 1 yr. Please bring a soft blanket and your little one. Dolls are also available.
Instructor: Justine Tutuska, MPH, LMT, CEIM (Certified Educator of Infant Massage)
Phone: (716) 472-9237
Website: www.bodymindessentials.com
Ms. Tutuska is the Vice President of the Board of Directors of Infant Massage USA, has been teaching infant massage for 4 years, and also runs a private massage practice including pre and post natal pregnancy.
CPR/Choking: Learn techniques on how to handle a life threatening emergency involving infants. This course includes choking and respiratory/cardiac arrest instruction for new parents.
For Your Older Children
Sibling Class: This class introduces children to the hospital setting and the exciting new role of brother or sister. For children aged 2 to 8. Includes a tour.
Sibling at Birth Class: This Sibling at Birth class is designed to prepare older siblings for what they will see and experience when they attend the birth of their new brother or sister. Includes a tour.
For Grandparents
New Grandparents Class: This class initiates an attempt to bridge the communication between new parents and grandparents. Our goal is to acquaint grandparents with changes in maternity and pediatric practices so that they might understand changes reducing tension between the generations.
Adult Tours for Parents/ Grandparents
Maternity Tours: Maternity tours include visits to the labor and delivery wing, nursery and postpartum room (as available). Additional, updated information about the latest trends in maternity and infant care will also be shared.
New class sessions begin regularly, and various days, evening, and weekend options are available. Advance registration is necessary, and all classes require a fee.
Tours are free, but registration in advance is required.
Classes should be completed well in advance of due date.
Support Groups
Postpartum Depression (PPD) Group: Postpartum Depression can affect any new mother. The Postpartum Depression Support Group is for mothers who feel depressed, anxious or overwhelmed and could benefit from emotional support and/or education regarding Perinatal Mood Disorders. The group is open to both pregnant and postpartum moms and meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Registration is required. Call 716-568-3628.
• Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Disorders - PDF
The Caring Arms Support Circle: The support groups are not therapy groups; they are opportunities to seek comfort and support from others facing the loss of a child. The Caring Arms Support Circle (CASC) is a program of several self-help perinatal bereavement support groups established to provide emotional support and create a powerful context for learning. The CASC meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at St. Gregory the Great Church Ministry Center (next to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital on Maple Road)
For more information, check the specific class schedules or call Women & Children’s Hospital at 878-7342 or Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital at 568-3628.
For additional information go to: http://www.Buffalobaby.org