HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Offers Free Prenatal Education Classes to Expectant Parents
HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital has announced a significant enhancement to its prenatal support services, now offering all pregnancy and birth education classes without charge to expectant parents. This initiative reflects the hospital’s dedication to fostering well-informed and confident families as they prepare for the arrival of a new child.
The comprehensive suite of prenatal classes now available at no cost includes several essential topics vital for new parents. Among these offerings are Prepared Childbirth Classes designed to familiarize parents with the birthing process, as well as specialized Breastfeeding Classes that provide guidance on successful nursing techniques. Furthermore, the Infant and Child Safety Class educates parents on safety measures essential for protecting newborns and young children.
In addition to these foundational courses, the hospital offers unique community engagement opportunities through Birth Circle Breakfasts and the Parent Circle Support Group. These gatherings allow families to connect with one another, share experiences, and receive encouragement in a supportive environment. Guided tours of the Women and Infants Center are also available, giving parents a firsthand look at the facilities and care options.
Tracy Mensing, the interim manager of the Women and Infants Center at St. Elizabeth’s, emphasized the hospital’s commitment to accessibility. “Our goal is to ensure that every expectant mom and their support person has access to the information they need to feel supported and ready for labor, delivery, and life with a newborn,” she remarked. By eliminating the financial barrier, the hospital aims to encourage greater participation in these vital educational resources.
Importantly, all classes are open to any expectant mother and her support person, regardless of where they intend to deliver, thereby extending the hospital’s outreach to a wider community of families.
Parents can find a complete schedule of upcoming classes and events, as well as registration information, by visiting hshs.org/st-elizabeths/classes-events.
In addition to educational offerings, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital provides around-the-clock reassurance through its Obstetric Emergency Department, staffed by a dedicated OB Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) available to respond to any emergencies.
For more information on pregnancy and birth services at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, please visit hshs.org/st-elizabeths/services/pregnancy-and-birth. This initiative not only underscores the hospital’s unwavering commitment to maternal and child health but also reflects the growing trend in healthcare to provide equitable access to prenatal education and support services for families.
