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Woman and Child Program
 
Pre and Postnatal Education

To register or for more information about any of these classes call (905) 417-6149.

Prenatal Classes

York Central Hospital offers the following prenatal education programs. These classes are taught by Registered Nurses or Certified Childbirth Educators.

Realities in Childbirth
Prenatal classes for couples expecting their first child. Topics include: Adjusting to changes in pregnancy, signs of labor, stages of labor, physical and emotional responses to labor and birth, relaxation and breathing, comfort measures, role of the support person, options for medication, medical procedures, breast feeding, overview of guidelines for newborn care, emotional and physical recovery after birth, and TOUR OF THE OBSTETRICAL AREAS

Duration: One evening (2.5 hours) per week for six weeks. Offered Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, OR four Sunday afternoons (4.0 hours)

Breastfeeding Class
Information for expectant couples about the basics of breast feeding. Topics include: Latch and position, feeding patterns, signs of adequate intake, solutions to common breastfeeding problems and breast pumps. This is one of the six evenings in the Realities in Childbirth program or may be taken as a SINGLE CLASS.

Infant Care Workshop
An opportunity for couples to learn the basic skills of infant care before the baby arrives. Topics include: Holding a newborn, swaddling, diapering, dressing, bathing, coping with crying, safety guidelines including car seat safety and sudden infant death syndrome, and parenting issues.

Please note these topics are not covered in the Realities in Childbirth program.

Duration: One Saturday or Sunday (4.5 hours)

Condensed Labour Workshop
A single class for couples needing a refresher or condensed program. Topics include: Signs of labor, stages of labor, physical and emotional responses to labor and birth, relaxation and breathing, comfort measures, role of the support person, and options for medication.

Duration: One Saturday or Sunday (6.5 hours)

Sibling Class
This is a class for siblings between 3 and 10 years of age. It includes a tour of the obstetrical facilities, seeing a real newborn, a fun video, activities related to becoming a brother or sister, and crafts to welcome the new baby. A snack, certificate and gift are provided.

Duration: One weekend morning or afternoon (2 hours)

Pre/postnatal Fitness
This is an ten week series of special exercise designed for the changing bodies of pregnant and postpartum women. It is intended for the average woman who wants to maintain physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle during and after pregnancy. Classes are designed to provide the physical endurance needed for labor, birth and the post-delivery period. They may also help in reducing stress and preventing excess weight gain.

Duration: One Saturday morning for ten weeks (1 hour)

Obstetrical Tour
A tour of the obstetrical facilities at York Central Hospital is provided free of charge. Intended for expectant couples. Children may not attend.

Date and Time: Alternate Monday evenings at 5:30 p.m.

You must register in advance.

To register or for more information about any of these classes call (905) 417-6149.

Post-natal Classes

York Central Hospital offers the following postnatal education programs.

Infant Massage
(For babies 2 weeks to 12 weeks of age)
This is a four-week series of classes to assist new mothers in adjusting to changes brought about by the arrival of baby. Each class includes one hour of INFANT MASSAGE with a CERTIFIED INFANT MASSAGE therapist and one hour of discussion/information.
Topics include: infant care, feeding issues, growth and development, safety, parent-infant interaction, physical and emotional changes; adaptation to parenting.

Duration: One morning (2.0 hours) per week for 4 weeks

Infant Stimulation
(For babies 10 weeks to 7 completed months of age)
This is a four-week series of classes for mothers and babies. It is a hands on approach to promoting your baby’s growth and development, and is lots of fun for both of you! Activities include infant massage, creative play, making home made toys, babycize, strollerobics, floor exercises, games, mirror play, rhythmic activities and songs.

Session One: recommended for babies 10 weeks to 5 1/2 months of age. (4 classes)
Session Two: recommended for babies 5 1/2 to 7 completed months (4 classes)

Duration: One morning (2.5 hours) per week for 4 weeks

And Baby Makes 3/Infant Massage
(For babies 2 weeks to 3 months of age)

This is a five-week series of classes to assist new mothers in adjusting to changes brought about by the arrival of a baby. Each class includes one hour of infant massage with a certified infant massage therapist and one hour of discussion/information. Topics include: infant care, feeding issues, growth and development, safety, parent-infant interaction, physical and emotional changes; adaptation to parenting.

Duration: One morning (2.0 hours) per week for 5 weeks

To register for any of these classes call (905) 417-6149.

Note: Dads are welcome to participate in any postnatal programs.

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York Central Hospital
10 Trench Street
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4Z3
(905) 883-1212
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