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A Confident Homecoming - Our Most Popular Birth and Parenting Series

Meriter’s team of dedicated educators help expectant parents discover options, advocate choices and prepare confidently for the challenges and changes ahead.

Weeks 1, 2 & 3: Preparing for Childbirth
Prepare for your personal childbirth journey with us. Share your thoughts, concerns and questions. Learn about labor and birth, and create your birth plan. Learn relaxation, the benefits of breathing patterns, pain-coping practices, what to do, how dad/partners can help, options for medications and decision-making skills for a fulfilling and confident birth experience. Whether you are planning a medicated or unmedicated birth, this information-packed class is full of lots of hands-on practice and practical advice and will prepare you for this amazing journey. 

Please bring 2 pillows and 2 blankets or mats to the first night of this series.

Weeks 4 & 5: Newborn Care
Baby’s First Weeks –Your baby will be born eager to get to know you. We are just as eager for you to learn about your baby. This class covers the characteristics, sensory skills and abilities of a newborn. It also covers the basics of infant care and “hands on” car seat skills. An experienced nurse will discuss common concerns as well as how and when to seek medical advice. Be better prepared for your homecoming so that you will fully enjoy your first weeks together.  If you have a car seat, please bring it to class #5.

Week 6: Basics of Breastfeeding
Learn the advantages of breastfeeding, tips for successful breastfeeding, recognize your baby’s hunger cues, position your baby and correct latch. A lactation consultant or counselor will guide you through the basics of breastfeeding in the early days and weeks.

Important Class Information

• It is recommended that you begin classes after your first trimester is complete and plan to finish your classes at least 3 weeks before your due date.
• Registration fee includes a total of 2 people.
• Having children or extra people attending these classes is prohibited due to the graphic content of some instructional material and dialog, as well as the partner-specific activities. 
• This class is eligible for reimbursement through Physicians Plus and Unity Health Plans. 
• This class does not include a tour of the Birthing Center. You must register in advance and separately for tours of the Birthing Center.

Refund Policy/Cancellation Policy:

• A full refund will be issued when cancellation of a class is made 1 week or more prior to the class start date.
• A 50% refund will be issued when cancellation of a class is made less than 1 week prior to the class start date.
• Students may transfer, prior to the start of class, to another class of equal cost, with no financial penalty.
• In the event of inclement weather and the Women’s Health Education Department cancels a class, there is no financial penalty to the student. The student will be offered the opportunity to attend a class at a later date. If the student chooses to not reschedule, a full refund will be issued. If the student chooses to not attend a class, due to weather, and does not transfer to another class the student will receive a 50% refund.

If you have further questions, please call the Women's Health Education Department at (608) 417-8446.

Additional Information
To get you off to the best-possible start, we provide you with "A Guide to your New Family's First Weeks", a booklet written by the healthcare professionals at Meriter, that answers the questions you'll have during your first weeks home. The booklet is discussed during this class.  Click here to download the booklet ! Please note the PDF file is quite large, so it may take a while to open.

Are you looking for a pediatrician to be your family’s healthcare partner? Our Meriter Medical Group physicians would be honored to be considered during your search. Click here to learn how to set up a free meet and greet session.