Preparing for Childbirth: Classes
Bringing a baby into the world is a momentous experience.
We at the Family Birth Place at HealthAlliance Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth), offer free classes virtually so you can give birth with confidence. We encourage partners to take the class too.
The classes are held once a month on a Saturday, usually on the third Saturday of the month, from 9 a.m. to noon. They are given through Cisco Webex videoconferencing. To register, just call the Family Birth Place at 845.338.2500, ext. 2241, and give us your email address. We’ll email a link to you.
Childbirth Education
In these classes, we discuss your goals, expectations and concerns. We also help you trust your instincts, establish a dialogue with your doctors or midwives, and define your roles as a birth partner.
The classes address signs of labor, the stages of labor, breathing and relaxation techniques, positions for labor, knowing when to go to the hospital, admitting procedures and pain management. It also explores the emotional aspects of labor.
We additionally address special circumstances, such as inductions, back labor and cesarean births. The classes likewise share information about postpartum preparation and typical newborn care.
The classes are interactive, so you will have many chances to ask questions.
Again, to make an appointment, please call 845.338.2500, ext. 2241.
2022 Class Dates
Third Saturday, 9 a.m.–Noon
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January 22
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February 26
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March 19
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April 23
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May 21
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June 25
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July 16
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August 20
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September 17
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October 22
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November 19
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December 17
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to feed your baby, but it is also a learned experience.
We at HealthAlliance offer highly regarded and popular breastfeeding classes that provide an opportunity for pregnant women and their partners or support persons to learn about breastfeeding.
The classes cover:
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The function and structure of the breast
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Realistic expectations about breastfeeding
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Breastfeeding guidelines and recommendations
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Latching and positioning
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Hunger and feeding cues
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Nutrition
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How birth practices affect breastfeeding
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The benefits of breastfeeding for baby and mother
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Recommendations for pumping and storage of breast milk
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The importance of encouragement and ways to assist new mothers with breastfeeding
These free, one-time classes are held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays, usually on the fourth Monday of the month. They are given through Cisco Webex videoconferencing. To register, just call the Family Birth Place at 845.338.2500, ext. 2241, and give us your email address. We’ll email a link to you.
2022 Class Dates
Breastfeeding — Fourth Monday, 6–8 p.m.
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November 22, 2021
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December 13, 2021
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January 24
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February 28
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March 28
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April 25
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May 23
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June 27
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July 25
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August 22
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September 26
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October 24
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November 28
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December 19
A Commitment to Breastfeeding
HealthAlliance Hospital is recognized as “Baby Friendly” by Baby Friendly USA and the World Health Organization for our superior care and for our instruction and assistance to mothers who choose to breastfeed their babies. As a recognized “Baby Friendly” hospital, HealthAlliance adheres to the highest standards of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies.
These standards are built on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a set of evidence-based practices recommended by WHO and UNICEF for optimal infant feeding support in the precious first days of a newborn’s life.
Breastfeeding can reduce infant hospitalizations and pediatrician visits, studies show.
Breast milk helps prevent ear and chest infections, stomach upsets, diabetes, sudden infant death syndrome and eczema. Breastfeeding can also reduce a mother’s chances of getting ovarian cancer, breast cancer, cardiac disease or weak bones later in life.
Our lactation consultants and counselors will provide you with the support you need to get off to a good breastfeeding start, continue after returning to work and overcome any nursing challenges you face along the way.
We are also committed to ensuring that all patients receive quality care in an unbiased culture of inclusion and acceptance. If you want to nurse your baby, whoever you are, whatever your story is, we’re here to help.
We also support parents who choose to formula-feed their babies, providing support, information and education about safe formula-feeding.
To learn more, please call the Family Birth Place at 845.338.2500, ext. 2241.