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ISimilar classes are offered by both Allegheny General ( July - December 2009) and West Penn Hospital ( January - June 2010). Please choose the class which is most convenient for you.
For more information about the integration of the OB and Newborn Services at Allegheny General with West Penn Hospital, click here.
Prenatal Classes offered by AGH
The OB/GYN Department at Allegheny General offers insightful, educational classes for families preparing for birth and parenting.
The classes below are offered continuously throughout the year.
Click on the class for a class description. Please also see "Should I take a Lamaze Class or Birthing With An Epidural?"
Click here for the July - December 2009 prenatal schedule. For more information, call Caron Boyer at 412-359-6708.
Click here for the January - June 2010 Prenatal Class Schedule. Beginning Jan. 1, prenatal classes will be held at The Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. For more information, call 412-578-7030.
To register for 2009, click here. To register for 2010, click here.
Lamaze
In these classes, the Lamaze method is used to prepare  the mother-to-be and her partner to respond to the physical and emotional experience of childbirth as active participants.
The couple will learn about the labor process and the physical and emotional changes during labor. Breathing and relaxation skills, guided imagery, movement during labor and other coping skills to help her cope with pain will be taught. The partner will be shown techniques to help comfort her during her labor.
Medications, variations in the birth process, vaginal and Cesarean birth will also be discussed. Instead of relying on the internet or
television, why not attend these classes? You will have the opportunity to
receive factual information regarding labor, delivery and the postpartum period
from a certified instructor, have your questions answered and interact with
other pregnant couples.
Plan to complete this class 3-4 weeks before your due date.
Click here for the July - December 2009 prenatal schedule. Click here for the January - June 2010 Prenatal Class Schedule.
Birthing With An Epidural
Many women think that because they are having an epidural, they don't need childbirth classes. But there is so much more to learn! In this class, you will learn the answers to so many important questions. Topics include how to tell true from false labor, when to come to the hospital, IV's, monitors, inductions, forceps, vacuum extractors and Ceasrean births. Learn exactly what an epidural is, advantages and disadvantages, how it works and what happens if it doesn't. Also learn how the baby will look and routine nursery procedures. Attend this class to find out important information about epidurals, labor and birth.*
Class should be taken in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Click here for the July - December 2009 prenatal schedule. Click here for the January - June 2010 Prenatal Class Schedule.
* Should I take a Lamaze Class or an Epidural Class?
A Lamaze Class is ideal for women who choose to have an unmedicated birth because it provides extensive information about controlled breathing, relaxation, guided imagery, massage and a variety of coping strategies.
However, it is also recommended for women who are unsure about whether they want to "go natural" or have an epidural. Although Lamaze Classes do focus on natural coping techniques, the instructor will still discuss medication such as narcotics and epidurals, although not in great detail.
If you have already decided that you want an epidural, then the Birthing with an Epidural Class is sufficient. The instructor will go into more detail regarding the procedure and the type of birth to expect.
If you would like to take both classes, you are welcome to do that, but realize that there will be repetition of content such as discussion of labor, vaginal and cesarean birth and the newborn.
Click here for the July - December 2009 prenatal schedule. Click here for the January - June 2010 Prenatal Class Schedule.
Newborn Care Class
Caring for a newborn can be challenging. This series of classes will prepare expectant parents by teaching them the basics of infant care.  Topics include diapering, bathing, feeding, common problems, immunizations, infant safety, and when to call the doctor. A visit from one of the AGH pediatricians to answer parents' questions completes the series.
Click here for the July - December 2009 prenatal schedule. Click here for the January - June 2010 Prenatal Class Schedule.
Breastfeeding
Certified Lactation consultants teach these classes which cover benefits and how-to's of nursing, pumping and storing milk, returning to work and combining breast and bottle feeding. Fathers are encouraged to attend. This is a two-class series and should be taken in the second trimester.
Click here for the July - December 2009 prenatal schedule. Click here for the January - June 2010 Prenatal Class Schedule.
CPR for Friends and Family (An Infant and Child CPR Class)
Would you know what to do if your infant or child was choking, could not breathe or their heart had stopped beating? Attend this very important class to learn how to respond in an emergency. For comfort, plan on taking this class before your 6th month of pregnancy.
Click here for the July - December 2009 prenatal schedule. Click here for the January - June 2010 Prenatal Class Schedule.
Big Brother/Big Sister Sibling Preparation Class
This sibling class is for children ages 3 to 6 to prepare for the birth of a new brother or sister. The fun and interactive class is taught using video, coloring books, discussion, and baby dolls.  A tour of the nursery to see a newborn is included.
Click here for the July - December 2009 prenatal schedule. Click here for the January - June 2010 Prenatal Class Schedule.
Labor and Delivery Tours
Come view our beautiful state -of-the art facilities at either Allegheny General Hospital or West Penn Hospital! Labor and Delivery tours are available at no charge. The tour guide will show you our warm, homelike LDR's, our tastefully decorated private postpartum rooms and our fully equipped nurseries. The tours are approximately 45 minutes long. Children are welcome as long as they are not disruptive.
Click here for the July - December 2009 prenatal and tour schedule. Click here for the January - June 2010 prenatal and tour schedules.
For more information call 412-359-6708.
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