The O'Bleness Birth Center offers prenatal and childbirth education classes for mothers-to-be and their birth coaches as well as breastfeeding classes.

Prenatal Education Classes
Expectant parents are encouraged to attend our prenatal class early in the mother-to-be's pregnancy. First-time parents, as well as experienced parents, will learn what's new in maternity care. The class provides information about prenatal nutrition, exercise, fetal growth and development, as well as warning signs of labor and discomforts of pregnancy. An introduction to the maternity services at O'Bleness will include a tour of the O'Bleness Birth Center. Classes are offered free of charge.

For more information or to register, call the O’Bleness Birth Center at (740) 592-9275.

Childbirth Education Class
Expectant parents are encouraged to attend O'Bleness' childbirth education class at least one to two months before their expected delivery date. They will learn the stages of labor and delivery, breathing and relaxation techniques, and other pain relief options. The class also provides information about hospital procedures and variations of labor. An introduction to the maternity services at O'Bleness will include a tour of the O'Bleness Birth Center. The class is offered free of charge.

For more information or to register for a childbirth education class, call the O'Bleness Birth Center at (740) 592-9275.

Topics discussed in the breastfeeding class include: advantages of breastfeeding for mother and baby, anatomy of the breast, physiology of breastfeeding, preparation for breastfeeding, maintenance and management of breastfeeding, and advice for working mothers. The free class prepares expectant mothers to maintain and manage the breastfeeding process. New mothers who are seeking breastfeeding advice may contact our lactation consultant at (740) 592-9364.

Breastfeeding Follow-up Sessions

At free follow-up sessions for post-partum breastfeeding moms, our lactation consultant discusses breastfeeding management issues, provides a baby weight check, and addresses questions and concerns. Moms may attend once or as often as they wish.

Breastfeeding Class for the Working Mother

The O'Bleness Birth Center offers a class designed specifically for the working mother who chooses to breastfeed her baby. The class is offered in addition to the basic breastfeeding class decribed above. Topics include: preparing to go back to work, returning to work, pumping and storing breast milk, choosing a breast pump, and other issues such as maintenance of milk supply, and resources and products that are especially helpful to nursing mothers who work. The class is offered free of charge and no registration is required.