Having a baby is a very special event.  To help you prepare for the birth experience, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital – Forbes Regional Campus offers a variety of educational programs.  These programs are designed to prepare you physically and mentally for childbirth and parenting, and to acquaint you with our staff and facilities.  Nationally certified childbirth educators and registered nurses, experienced in the field of obstetrics, teach the classes.  Please note, prices for classes vary, depending on the class.  For more information or to register for any of the classes below, please call 1-877-284-2000. 

 

 

EARLY PREGNANCY CLASS

This class is designed for expectant women and their partners during the early months of pregnancy.  Includes information on nutrition, fetal development, prenatal care and testing, coping with the discomforts of pregnancy, pre-term labor, prenatal fitness and relaxation exercises.  This class is suggested prior to the 20^th week of pregnancy.  The rest of the childbirth education classes will follow later in your pregnancy. 

 

 

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION SERIES

These four classes develop knowledge of the childbirth process to help you achieve an optimal birth experience.  Content includes hospital orientation and tour, stages of labor and the Lamaze method of childbirth.  Classes should be started between the 30^th to 33^rd weeks of pregnancy. 

 

 

VARIATIONS IN LABOR

This class complements the Childbirth Education Series.  Class content includes medical interventions in labor, cesarean delivery, medications and anesthesia.  An anesthesiologist is a guest speaker. 

 

 

DELIVERY AND BEYOND      

What happens after delivery?  This class discusses physical and emotional changes postpartum, taking care of yourself, infant care, feeding options, car seat safety and much more.  All class participants will be automatically entered into a drawing at the end of the class for free infant photo package valued at $30. 

 

BREASTFEEDING CLASS

This class is recommended for expectant parents who have decided to breastfeed or who are considering breastfeeding as their feeding choice.  A board certified lactation consultant will answer your questions and provide you with useful information about breastfeeding.  Topics include the benefits of breast milk, establishing a milk supply, positioning the baby, proper latch on, preventing problems and returning to work.  Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to get breastfeeding off to a great start! 

 

 

REFRESHER CLASS

Attend the third and fourth class of the Childbirth Education Series and any or all of the large group classes.

 

 

AND BABY MAKES FOUR (SIBLING CLASS)

It is important to prepare older children for the arrival of your new baby.  The class explores the feelings siblings share and helps them understand what life will be like with a new brother or sister.  The 90-minute program is designed for soon-to-be siblings ages 3 to 8.  You and your children should attend the class in the last two months before birth.

 

 

HOSPITAL TOUR

To help you feel comfortable with your delivery, we recommend the Maternity Unit Tour.  If you are attending the Childbirth Education Series, a tour is included as part of the class.  If you do not plan to attend the Childbirth Education Series, please call The Western Pennsylvania Hospital – Forbes Regional Campus Labor and Delivery Department at 412-858-2460 to schedule a tour.

 

 

INFANT/CHILD CPR FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS

An American Heart Association course in infant/child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), this class is recommended for all parents and those who care for children.  Emergency care of a choking infant or child, infant/child CPR techniques and infant/child safety are covered.  CPR techniques are demonstrated and practiced. 

 

 

GIRLS, PARENTS AND PUBERTY

Parents and adolescent girls (ages 9-12) learn about the emotions and physical changes related to growing up.

 

 

HOW TO REGISTER

For any of the classes listed on this page, please call 1-877-284-2000 to register.  You will receive a letter confirming your enrollment.  If a class is full, you will be notified by phone and given alternative dates.  Early registration is recommended, as class sizes are limited.

 

Please note:  The Western Pennsylvania Hospital – Forbes Regional Campus reserves the right to cancel class at any time.
 

PAYMENT

Payments for classes must be received no later than three weeks prior to the start of a class.  You may wish to check with your insurance company to determine whether your plan allows for full or partial reimbursement of prenatal classes.  At your request, we will provide you with a receipt after you have completed the final class.

 

 

REFUNDS

Refunds are granted in cases of premature delivery or medical complications.  Refunds are pro-rated to reimburse only those classes not attended.  A refund for non-medical reasons must be requested at least three weeks prior to the beginning of the class.  Please call 1-877-284-2000 to request a class refund due to premature delivery or medical complications.

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION AND LACTATION SUPPORT

West Penn Hospital – Forbes Regional Campus offers a variety of childbirth education classes, including early pregnancy classes, Lamaze, sibling preparation, breastfeeding and infant/child CPR and safety.  For a listing of upcoming classes, please see the Classes and Events section of our Web site.

In addition, mothers wishing to breastfeed benefit from the support that certified lactation specialists at West Penn Hospital – Forbes Regional Campus provide. The Center at Forbes provides a convenient way for mothers to purchase or rent lactation supplies.

 

QUESTIONS?

For more information, please call the West Penn Allegheny Health System Physician Access at 1-877-284-2000.

Last Updated: August 26, 2008