Childbirth Classes

Call 605-328-7140 if you have any questions about the following classes or to register. Sanford Health welcomes your calls and looks forward to being with you throughout the birth of your baby and as your baby grows.

Pregnancy - Childbirth Classes & Events

Tours

Please join us for a tour of Sanford's Perinatal Center, The Birth Place and meet our experienced, devoted and caring perinatal team that will be with you every step of the way. You will have the opportunity to visit our beautiful family suites and nursery and ask any questions you might have about this exciting experience and what Sanford Health can offer you, your family and your new baby. Where to have your baby is an important decision and we want you to feel confident about your choice.

Birth Place Virtual Tour

Early Pregnancy Class

The most important decision you will ever make is to take good care of yourself and your baby during your pregnancy. Not only does your baby completely depend on you when he/she is first born, he/she depends on you even more during his/her development. Sanford Health Women's Birth Place offers this very important class to assist you in developing a healthy lifestyle of good nutrition, exercise, stress management and rest. This class includes information on important prenatal testing and prenatal care visits. You and your partner will develop an understanding of your physical and emotional needs during your pregnancy. Understanding your baby's development will assist you and your partner in bonding with your baby prior to birth.

Lamaze Prepared Childbirth Class

A 9 week, in depth, class is taught by Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators who have extensive training in labor support and breastfeeding support. This class embraces the philosophy of Lamaze; that birth is normal, natural and healthy. As women, we experience the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of pregnancy and birth. This class focuses on that concept, while preparing families for their birth experience through awareness of the birth process. Extra time is assigned for learning and mastering coping skills and comfort techniques for labor that are tried and true. Participants will develop an understanding of the benefits, risks and alternatives of medical interventions that will equip them to make informed decisions and work with their healthcare provider. This class is recommended for those wishing to birth with as little intervention as possible. The last night of class will cover the information on baby care that is included in "What to Expect: Your Amazing Newborn." Class sizes are limited to provide personal hands on learning. It is recommended you start this class between your 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.

Childbirth Preparation Classes

At Sanford Health Women's Birth Place we have developed a variety of formats based on the Lamaze philosophy that will prepare you for your birth experience. The formats vary in amount of content time and practice time. Keep in mind that the condensed versions of the classes will provide a limited amount of preparation. The classes will provide important information on the labor process including labor support, pain management, birth options and the role of your labor partner. The classes are taught by experienced childbirth educators who will provide you with as much personal assistance as time allows. Class sizes are limited. We recommend that you register early in your pregnancy to secure a class schedule that works best for you.

Childbirth Preparation Class: Adult Single Mom's

This class is for expectant women who feel more comfortable in a "setting with other single women and their partners. The class information is the same as the Childbirth Preparation Class 6 Week Series but is presented with your personal needs in mind. All support persons/partners are encouraged to attend with you.

Teen Pregnancy/Parenting

Being a teenager and pregnant can be a time of confusion, fear and uncertainty. This program is designed to offer support and education to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Even the thought of going through labor can be frightening. That is why we slowly take you through the steps of the labor process and teach you coping skills that will give you confidence to face the challenge ahead. Whether you plan to release your baby or choose to parent your baby, we will be there to provide resources and information, answer questions, and offer support. If you plan to be a teen parent we offer support through ongoing parenting classes that are offered through the Sioux Falls School District. If you prefer to have education and support on a more private basis, we offer one-on-one sessions also. Please call 328-7140 to register for a private consultation and /or group classes.

Childbirth Preparation Weekend Retreat

This class is designed for the busy expectant family. It is a Childbirth Preparation Class series put into one weekend. A tour of The Birth Place at Sanford Health Women's is included. Snacks are provided on Friday evening. A light breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday. This class is tightly packed with information and has limited practice time. Baby care information is included. (All other classes except Infant CPR in this booklet are at no charge once payment has been received for this class.)

Childbirth Preparation Mini-Series

This is a condensed version of the 6 week series with limited practice time. It is also a good refresher for those who have experienced birth previously. A tour of the Birth Place is included.

Childbirth Refresher

This class is for those who have attended Childbirth classes during a previous pregnancy and need only to review the content. It is offered at a one-time, four-hour session. A tour of the Perinatal Center is included. (The Baby Care Class is included in this class fee.)

Breastfeeding Preparation Class

This class is for expectant parents who are in the process of making a decision about feeding their baby or already have decided to breastfeed. The class will assist you and your partner in understanding the breastfeeding process.

Marvelous Multiples

This series of classes is designed for expectant parents of multiples and offers valuable information not found in a regular prepared childbirth course. Marvelous Multiples classes assist you in:

• Practicing healthy pregnancy lifestyles through sound nutrition, rest and stress-management techniques.
• Learning about the physical and emotional challenges of a multiple pregnancy and how to identify the accompanying signs and symptoms.
• Preparing for the many variances in labor, delivery and recovery through knowledge and confidence in the multiple birth process.
• Gaining practical skills and problem-solving information about life at home with multiples.
• Participating in a supportive network with other parents of Multiples.

We encourage you to attend these classes early in your fourth or fifth month of pregnancy, or as soon as you can be scheduled.

What to Expect: Your Amazing Newborn

Learning about bathing, diapering and feeding your baby is important, but this class offers so much more.  This class covers information on the newly recommended newborn screenings, how to understand your baby's characteristics, capabilities and temperament, how to cope with the first weeks at home, when to call your healthcare provider, how to keep your baby safe and more.  This will be the most important class you will ever take.  Your baby deserves to have informed parents and you deserve to have the most current information regarding your baby.

Family and Friends Infant/Child CPR Class

This course is designed for those who want to learn rescue skills for loved ones.  This class is not designed for participants who must obtain a credential for CPR course attendance.  Participants will receive a participation card only.

Participants taking the Family and Friends Infant/Child CPR course will learn:

• Infant and Child Chain of Survival
• Signs of Choking in Infants and Children
• Relief of Foreign-body Airway Obstruction (i.e. choking) in an Infant/Child
• Rescue skills in Infant/Child CPR

Working Out 4 Two

(Prenatal/Postnatal Exercise Program)
This program is part of a national study showing the many benefits of exercising during pregnancy.  It is based on the guidelines of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  The classes are located at Sanford USD Medical Center Wellness Center. This program is a collaborative venture with Sanford Women's Birth Place Classes and Certified Childbirth Educators.

The "Working Out 4 Two" program consists of three separate land and aquatic exercise classes.  Each class is designed to meet a different fitness level.  The goal of each class is to provide the appropriate intensity level for you throughout your pregnancy. 

Buckle Up Your Baby

Have you ever wondered exactly how your child's car seat should be installed?  All car seats are not a one size fits all. Statistics show that 9 out of 10 car seats are NOT installed correctly.

Sanford C.H.I.L.D. Services participates in the Project 8 Governor's Child Seat Program.  The ultimate goal of this program is to help in communicating and educating parents on the following:

• Child should be in proper child car seats until they are at least 8 years old
• Child car seats must be properly installed to be effective
• Parents who have a financial need can get a free car seat

For more information regarding child passenger safety, proper installation of car seats, call the Sanford Children's C.H.I.L.D. Services at 605-333-0698.

Grandparenting

Grandparents play a very important role in supporting the new family. However, baby care and birth practices change over the years.  This class will inform expectant grandparents about the many changes and the importance of their role as grandparents.  A tour of The Birth Place is included. 

Big Brother/Big Sister

Many questions and concerns can be expressed by a new big brother or sister-to-be.  They are a special part of the family and they deserve their own special class to prepare them for the new baby's arrival.  This class is designed to help children adjust to a new baby in their family.  This class is structured to meet the learning needs of children between 3 and 9 years of age.

New Baby & Me

This is a weekly discussion group for new moms. Questions and discussion topics include: "How can I soothe my fussy baby?", "How do I adjust to this new role of being a mom?", "How can I get anything done?", "How will I know if my baby is sick?", "How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?"  Please bring your baby and join in the discussions with other new moms.

Out Of The Blues

This is a support group designed for women who are experiencing the "Baby Blues" or postpartum depression.  This support group's topics include:

• A discussion on postpartum depression causes and symptoms
• Stress management
• Coping mechanisms
• Communication
• Support systems
• Role transition after pregnancy

Rock 'N Stroll

This is a unique exercise program for new moms and babies. Come join us at the Sanford Health  Wellness Center and stroll your baby around the exercise track.  Then one of our exercise specialists will take you through a work out on basic weights, circuit training and toning. After your exercise session, you will learn how to massage your baby while discovering his/her wonderful ability to interact with you.

Strollers are provided but feel free to use your own. Fathers are welcome. We recommend you start this class around your sixth week of postpartum.

COST: FREE to Wellness Center members. First month is free if your baby was born at The Birth Place at Sanford Women's.  A punch card can be purchased after your first free month if you are not a Wellness Center member.

Great Beginnings

It is common to have many questions and concerns when you are first home with your new baby. Great Beginnings is a follow-up care program offering education and support. This program provides a physical assessment for both mom and baby.  It also provides a time for you to ask questions about breastfeeding, infant feeding issues, newborn care, parenting topics, child care, and any other concerns you may have.  Your personal appointment can be made during your hospital stay.

Breast Feeding Assistance Program

Our Breastfeeding Assistance Program was developed to give new moms help with a variety of breastfeeding questions and issues.  During your hospital stay our experienced nurses will work with you and get you off to a good start with breastfeeding.  Our experienced lactation consultants will be available to work diligently with you to solve your problems and provide support in your breastfeeding experience in the hospital and at home.  You may call in with any breastfeeding questions to 605-333-4444.

Grief Support/Infant Loss

Pregnancy loss and the loss of a newborn are one of the most difficult experiences to ever go through. Sanford Women's Birth Place offers support through our Infant Loss Support Group facilitated by a licensed counselor.  Groups are arranged as needed and facilitated at the group's convenience.  One-on-one telephone or in-person visits are also available.  Please call 605-328-7140 to set up an appointment or to join a support group.

Family Follow Up Through Child Services

Sanford Children's CHILD Services offers parenting information to assist you in getting to know your baby.  A Family Life Educator will visit with you during your hospital stay to provide you with information about resources available to you as a new parent.  Once home, you will receive a monthly parenting newsletter specific to your child's age.  At approximately your baby's nine-month birthday, you will receive an opportunity to learn about your baby's temperament through a questionnaire that will be mailed to you.  If you have any specific parenting needs you would like assistance with, please call (605) 333-0698.  Individual parenting consultations with a Family Life Educator are available for parents of children birth to age twelve.

Parenting Classes

CHILD Services offers a wide range of parenting classes on issues such as: "Infant Massage" "My Baby and Sleep" and "Temper Tantrums."  A six week series on "Responsive Parenting for Infants and Toddlers" is also available.  Call 605-333-0698 for our Insights to Parenting Booklet for a complete list of our current parenting classes or to request additional information.

Child Development Enrichment Program

Because parenting can be overwhelming, exciting and/or frustrating, Sanford offers a variety of parent services through the Child Development Enrichment Program. Services include telephone consultation, private parenting sessions, general classes, home visits, developmental assessments of your child and individual consultation to meet your child's needs. Examples of common topics addressed include baby and sleep, sibling rivalry and crying. Call 605-333-0663 for further information.

Toy and Game Lending Library

This unique service provides you with the opportunity to check out a variety of toys, games and books that will enhance your child's development and learning. Family Life Educators are available to assist you in selecting toys that are age appropriate. Call 605-333-0663 for further information.