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1. What is perinatal education"? "Peri"natal education refers to the menu of classes "around" the birth of your baby. The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Becoming Parents Program offers classes that address the health and well-being of the entire expectant family both before the baby's birth, with classes such as: as well as after the birth with: Back to top 2. What makes the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Becoming Parents Program unique? The Becoming Parents Program's only goal is to promote a happy, well-informed, healthy family that makes decisions that are right for them. We know this, believe this, express this idea in every class that we offer, and it is what makes our program unique. Our program combines Packard Children's Hospital's latest obstetrical and pediatric information with the most practical and time-honored advice on child-bearing and child-rearing. This holistic approach to educating families is intended to present all of the options available and to encourage families to make their own informed decisions. Back to top 3. When should we sign up for classes? Fitness classes can be started at any point in your pregnancy, as long as you have consent from your obstetrician or midwife. Most of the other classes such as Childbirth Prep, Newborn Care 101 and the Breastfeeding Seminar should be taken closer to your expected due date, typically finishing 3-4 weeks before the baby is due, unless you are expecting twins or unless your doctor has advised you differently. It is a good idea to begin looking at class options toward the end of your first trimester and sign up as soon as you decide which schedule works best for you. Back to top 4. I just know that I'm having an epidural, do I really need to take childbirth class? The most important goal of childbirth education has always been about choices. We believe that parents should know exactly what their choices are at each and every phase and stage of labor. Every birth is different and watching a TV program on childbirth or reading a blog does not prepare parents for the variations within a normal birth. Our comprehensive childbirth program provides parents with information and options that will help them to be confident about their birth, no matter how their unique birth experience occurs. Back to top 5. Who can attend class with me? Most of our classes are set up for partners' participation. Generally, that is a domestic partner or labor coach but sometimes a parent, sister or older sibling will attend. Back to top 6. How qualified is your teaching staff? Our childbirth educators are all certified in childbirth education. Many of our instructors hold additional degrees such as registered nurse, physicial therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, master's in public health, lactation consultant, licensed marriage and family counselor. Teaching is a joy for all of our instructors; something they do for their own satisfaction beyond their regular job positions. Back to top 7. I'm not planning to have a cesarean. Do I need to take the Cesarean Birth Class? Nine out of 10 cesarean sections (c-sections) are unplanned. They are decided upon during the process of an ordinary vaginal birth. We believe in preparing parents-to-be for all of the possibilities of birth, including a last minute cesarean. Back to top 8. Does my husband need to attend the Breastfeeding Seminar with me? We strongly encourage both parents to attend the Breastfeeding Seminar. One of the most important factors in successful breastfeeding is the support of the nursing partner. A partner can be a tremendous help to a breastfeeding mother and baby through their understanding of the process, encouragement and help with the breastfeeding environment. Back to top 9. What makes your New Family Program unique? Our New Family Program offers support and community for the growing family. It includes
Our groups are made up of members who come regularly and share their ideas and questions in an open, yet confidential manner. We build an atmosphere of trust and community for new parents and their growing families. Many of our families develop lasting friendships. We do not endorse any particular method of child-rearing or baby product beyond the latest infant care and child development safety recommendations. Although we have the vast expertise of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and the entire Stanford University Medical Center as resources (and sometimes speakers in our program), we also know that you are the expert on your own baby and no one knows your baby as well as you do. Back to top 10. Do you offer scholarships? We have class scholarships available for those who otherwise cannot afford the fees. Please let our registrar know if you need financial assistance. Back to top Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is located in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford University Hospital, approximately 20 miles north of San Jose, CA and 40 miles south of San Francisco.
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