Knowledge is Good Medicine

Certified Medical Education Courses (CMEs)
Sierra Providence Health Network offers Certified Medical Education courses throughout the year to help area physicians and other qualified healthcare professionals meet their annual state licensure requirements. Courses focus on new medical developments and techniques, as well as any identified medical needs that may have resurfaced in the current year. For more information on these or upcoming conferences, please call (915) 577-6000 or check our Events Calendar under Community Services.

Childbirth Education Classes
At Sierra Providence Health Network, we recognize the importance of a family-centered childbirth experience. That's why we offer Preparation for Childbirth and Sibling Classes for you and other members of your family. Classes are free of charge and taught by experienced nurses who work closely with our obstetrics departments at both hospitals to develop helpful classroom materials. Call (915) 577-6000 to register or to receive scheduling information.

Providence Memorial Hospital
Childbirth Preparation Course (6 sessions)
This class is for you and your support person. It meets once a week for six weeks and includes instruction on Lamaze relaxation and breathing techniques. Information on the role of the support person and Cesarean birth are also included. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a pen, a blanket and two pillows to class. Be sure to arrive ten minutes before the first class.

Topics that are covered in this course include:

• Week 1
  First and second trimesters of pregnancy; anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and childbirth; history and theories behind Lamaze; how to prepare for childbirth; warning signs to look for during pregnancy; active relaxation and massage.
  
• Week 2
  Proper nutrition during pregnancy and breast feeding; third trimester of pregnancy; how to prepare for your hospital stay; comfort measures for labor; exercise during pregnancy; video of a live birth.
  
• Week 3
  Signs and stages of labor; true and false labor; medical options during labor; breathing techniques and comfort measures for early and active labor.
  
• Week 4
  Medication options for labor; vaginal birth after cesarean; childbirth variations; recovering from childbirth; breathing techniques and comfort measures for transition and birth.
  
• Week 5
  Newborn characteristics and procedures; hospital security for newborns; push and stop techniques during labor.
  
• Week 6
  All about cesarean birth; parenting skills; family planning; loss and grief in childbearing; labor practice.

Childbirth Refresher Course (3 sessions)
Parents who have previously attended a Childbirth Preparation series are invited to update their knowledge and skills regarding labor and delivery. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a pen, a blanket and two pillows to class.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Class (1 session)
Come learn the facts about VBACs. We'll discuss the criteria and recommendations for a trial of labor.

Cesarean Birth Class (1 session)
If you are having a planned cesarean birth, this class can help you understand what to expect.

Baby Care Basics Class (1 session)
Join expectant, adoptive and new parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters (nine years and older) to learn how to bathe, diaper and care for a newborn.

Pediatrician Question & Answer Session/Infant CPR Class
Here's your opportunity to get first-hand answers from a local pediatrician on a wide range of topics, from newborn care to child development. Infant CPR is demonstrated as well as how to care for a choking infant.

Breast Feeding Class (1 session)
Learn the joys of this special experience. Included are the advantages of breast feeding, breast preparation, breast feeding equipment and supplies, and specific techniques to promote a successful breast feeding experience. Please bring a soft doll and a pen to class.

Bottle Feeding Class (1 session)
Learn how to prepare infant formula, purchase and care for bottle feeding equipment, and correctly bottle feed an infant. Both bottle feeding and breast feeding parents are welcome.

Children's Class: Ages 3 to 8 Years (1 session)
Help "big brother" and "big sister" learn about the arrival of their new baby by introducing them to the hospital experience as well as the first days at home with their new baby. Parents should plan to attend with their child. Children older than eight years of age may attend the Baby Care Basics class.

Sierra Medical Center
Childbirth Preparation Introductory Course
This course is for first-time parents. Classes meet once a week for six weeks at the following times:

• Tuesday (Spanish class only) 7:30 - 10 pm
  
• Wednesday 7 - 9:30 pm
  
• Thursday 7 - 9:30 pm
  
• Saturday 2:30 - 5 pm

This introductory course includes information on the following:

• Week 1
  Normal discomforts and danger signals of pregnancy, nutrition, exercises in preparation for childbirth, and relaxation techniques for labor.
  
• Week 2
  First stage of labor, breathing techniques, comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and a tour of the Labor & Delivery Unit (as situation permits.)
  
• Week 3
  Second and third stages of labor, and a film on childbirth.
  
• Week 4
  Postpartum care, demonstration of fetal monitoring, postpartum blues, child safety and episiotomy sitting position.
  
• Week 5
  What to expect once your newborn arrives and information on breast feeding.
  
• Week 6
  Infant CPR.

Childbirth Preparation Refresher Course
This two-session course is offered every seven weeks on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7 - 9:30 pm. The class is taught in English and includes information on:

• Session 1
  Danger signals of pregnancy, first stage of labor, exercises in preparation for childbirth, and relaxation techniques for labor.
  
• Session 2
  Second and third stages of labor, a film on childbirth, breathing techniques, comfort measures, and a tour of the Labor & Delivery Unit (as situation permits).
  

Parents attending the refresher course are invited to attend the Infant CPR class held during the six-week course.

Sibling Classes
Big brother and big sister learn how to care for baby. This 1-1/2 hour course is offered on the first and third Saturday of each month at 9 am and is open to children ages 3 - 8.