The Salem Health Community Health Education Center is launching a new childbirth education series at West Valley Hospital this October.

This joins the monthly Salem Hospital birthing class series, a weekly, four-week course to coach those giving birth and their support person for labor, delivery and postpartum.

From delivery to life at home

“This [class] helps individuals who are planning for the birth of a new infant to understand the process of birth and delivery, how to maintain their health in the final trimester and what to expect postpartum as far as caring for and feeding their baby,” said certified childbirth educator Nancy Baldwin.

It includes lectures and slides, as well as hands-on practice for things like massage and comfort measures during labor.

“We look at pain management tools both for those interested in medications as well as those interested in a natural birth. How can these tools work for you?” said Baldwin. “We also cover cesarean birth and what that would look like, either an emergency delivery or a planned cesarean.”

From there, the class explores what to expect after bringing a baby home. This includes swaddling, diapering, breastfeeding, as well as home safety.

When to sign up

Baldwin recommends the class to those who are seven to eight months pregnant.

“That third trimester is the optimal time, because it’s getting real and people are in those stages of preparation,” she said. “It’s that emotional and mental preparation to be ready for the change that’s happening to your body.”

Ultimately, the childbirth educator said she wants to empower new parents.

“The goal is trust,” said Baldwin. “Trust in your body, trust in the process. This is a normal, natural process. Understanding how your body works and how to work with your body and your care team, who are there to help.”

Baldwin said parents who take childbirth education courses are set up for a more positive experience during labor and delivery.

“People come into the birth process with a lot of anxiety,” she said. “After taking the class, they feel more comfortable and confident going into the process, which leads to better birth outcomes.”

How to sign up

This class is offered monthly at Salem Hospital and quarterly West Valley Hospital. There is no requirement for attendees to be affiliated with either of these hospitals.

The class includes a Salem Hospital labor and delivery unit tour for those who are interested.

There is a fee, but scholarships are available for those who need assistance.

Interested in learning more? Register here.