Baby basics

Our guest columnist is Kathleen Hugo, RN, IBCLC, women's resource coordinator with Baptist Health.

Preparing for a baby is exciting, but it can also come with a lot of questions. What are my pain management options during labor? How do I swaddle a newborn? And what can I do now to feel more prepared for those first days at home?

Childbirth education can help you find answers before your baby arrives. Baptist Health’s maternity and baby classes give parents and caregivers an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals while building practical skills for pregnancy, childbirth and life with a newborn.

Pregnancy basics

Pregnancy brings plenty of physical and emotional changes, and understanding what’s happening can help you feel more prepared along the way.

The Understanding Pregnancy class covers topics including:

• Common pregnancy discomforts
• Exercise
• Fetal development
• Medical care
• Nutrition

It can be a helpful opportunity to learn more about your changing body and your baby's development while getting ready for what's ahead.

Labor preparation

Knowing what to expect during labor can help you feel more comfortable about the birthing experience.

Childbirth Preparation covers:

• The stages of labor
• Pain management options, including unmedicated techniques
• Cesarean (C-section) birth
• Postpartum recovery
• Newborn care

Whether you're still deciding what you'd like your birth experience to look like or simply want to understand your options, learning ahead of time can help you feel more prepared for the unexpected.

Newborn care

Once your baby arrives, you'll have a whole new set of skills to learn. Baby Care Basics focuses on the everyday skills new parents and caregivers need, including:

• Bathing
• Diapering
• Dressing
• Swaddling
• Safe sleep
• Bottle-feeding
• Crying and comforting

The class also covers when to call your baby's doctor, giving you an opportunity to learn about newborn care before you’re home with your baby.

Breastfeeding basics

If you plan to breastfeed, learning the basics before your little one arrives can give you a place to start.

Breastfeeding Basics covers:

• Latch and positioning options
• Feeding cues and patterns
• Pumping
• Hand expression
• Breast care and comfort

Support continues beyond the classroom through the Breastfeeding Support Group, where moms can connect and receive advice from a certified lactation professional.

Safety skills

Baby safety is another important part of preparing for life at home.

First Year Baby Safety Essentials covers:

• Common infant injuries
• Childproofing
• First aid
• Infant and child CPR
• Choking procedures

Learning these skills ahead of time can help parents and caregivers feel more prepared to create a safe environment and respond if an emergency occurs.

Find your fit

You don't have to take every class to feel ready, and every family has different needs. Baptist Health offers class bundles that combine popular childbirth, baby care and breastfeeding classes for parents who want to prepare for several parts of the journey.

Classes are open to everyone; you don't have to be a Baptist Health patient to participate. Depending on the class, in-person and online options may be available. Registration is required.

Preparing for a baby is a big journey, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Learning what to expect, practicing new skills and knowing where to turn for support can help you feel more prepared for the transition to parenthood.

Ready to find the right class for you? Explore maternity and baby classes to view available classes, upcoming dates and registration information.