Family Education Offerings
FAMILY EDUCATION
Our goal is to provide family-centered, comprehensive care during one of the most precious events in life. That’s why Good Shepherd Medical Center offers a variety of educational opportunities to new families. Choose from a variety of courses taught by certified instructors. Please click below to learn about each class and to view 2013 class schedules.
- Childbirth Preparation
- Lactation Class
- Boot Camp for New Dads
- Sibling Class
- Baby Sign Language
- Safe Sitter
- Grandparenting 101
Childbirth Preparation
Good Shepherd’s Childbirth Preparation Class is designed to begin six to eight weeks prior to your due date. This interactive class provides labor and delivery preparation for the pregnant woman and her partner/coach. Together you will gain knowledge of the birth process and be able to make personal decisions related to your birth experience. Expecting mothers and their partner will learn about:
- Physical changes related to pregnancy
- Stages of labor
- Skills for coping with labor and delivery
- The importance of a labor support person
- What to expect during the postpartum period
- Adult, child and infant CPR training
- A guest lecture from a local pediatrician
- Receive a tour of our labor/delivery/recovery area
Please click here to view our 2013 class schedule.
Lactation Class
The decision of whether to breastfeed or formula feed is a personal choice, but no matter what decision you make, the feeding method you use provides a special opportunity for mom and baby to bond. If you are considering the option of breastfeeding your newborn, Good Shepherd’s Lactation Class provides helpful information to assist you in your decision.
- Advantages of breastfeeding
- Discover the health benefits of breastfeeding for baby and mother
- Receive helpful information about the lactation process
Please click here to view our 2013 class schedule.
Boot Camp for New Dads
Our Boot Camp for New Dads class helps you get connected with other men that are also facing the challenges and opportunities related to becoming a new dad. This three-hour “men’s only” workshop addresses the issues of parenting from a male perspective. Topics discussed during this class include:
- The importance of the role of a father
- The significance of teamwork
- How to offer support to the new mom
- How to balance work with fatherhood
Please click here to view our 2013 class schedule.
Sibling Class
Big brothers and big sisters are invited to join the fun and excitement while celebrating the upcoming birth of the new baby. Good Shepherd’s Sibling Class encourages the involvement of older brothers and sisters, ages 3 to 11. During the class, siblings will learn how to help change a diaper and will also be given a child-oriented tour of Labor and Delivery as well as the Mother-Baby Unit. Each child will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the class. At least one parent must accompany the child, and grandparents are welcome!
Please click here to view our 2013 class schedule.
Baby Sign Language
Before toddlers learn language skills, communication between parents and their children can sometimes be frustrating. Good Shepherd’s Baby Sign Language Class promotes positive emotional and intellectual development and can jump-start your baby’s ability to talk. Great for parents, grandparents and caregivers too!
Please click here to view our 2013 class schedule.
Safe Sitter
Learn how to be a safe babysitter! Safe Sitter Class prepares youth, ages 11 to 15, to be more responsible babysitters by teaching child care skills which include:
- Behavior management
- Appropriate responses to medical emergencies
- American Heart Association Friends and Family CPR training
Please click here to view our 2013 class schedule.
Grand parenting 101
This special class is for the proud grandparents-to-be. We know you are experienced at raising children, but a few things may have changed over the years. Good Shepherd’s Grandparenting 101 Class is meant to give you some of the latest recommendations for safety, feeding, sleeping and more.
Please click here to view our 2013 class schedule.
For more information about family education offerings at Good Shepherd Medical Center, please feel free to contact our Women’s and Children’s Education Community Coordinator at (903) 315-5569. You may also email us at familyedu@gsmc.org.