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    Apr 06
    Blog: Childbirth Education at Saratoga Hospital

    The team at Saratoga Hospital OB/GYN and Midwifery takes a compassionate, collaborative approach to labor and delivery. Each childbirth experience is uniquely memorable, and in order to provide all expectant families with the tools they need to welcome their newest addition, we offer education programs to support the entire family.

    Because of COVID-19, Saratoga Hospital currently offers the following classes in a virtual environment, taught by members of our wonderful maternity nursing team:

    • Kelly Duheme, IBCLC, hosts a bimonthly Breastfeeding Support Group, in collaboration with Sarah Smith, CLC, from LifeWorks Community Action (formerly Saratoga County EOC). As part of this free virtual support group, participants share successes and struggles, and offer guidance and support to help both mom and baby navigate the breastfeeding journey. The groups is open to all mothers, regardless of delivery location.
    • The Childbirth Preparation Series meets over three or four weeks, at the discretion of the instructor. The course is designed to educate parents on their options during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Discussion topics include having a healthy pregnancy, the work of labor and birth, coping with labor, options for medications and other interventions, being an active participant in your care, the role of the birth partner, and the first 48 hours after birth. The virtual course costs $40.
    • Our Infant Care Class provides expectant and adoptive parents with information on a variety of care topics, including newborn characteristics and behaviors, hospital routines, daily care and bathing, diapering, swaddling, feeding issues, crying, and colic. There is a $20 fee per couple.

    Advance registration is required for all courses. Participants receive the login information a few days before the start of each course.

    If you have questions about any of our childbirth education courses, or are interested in signing up, please call Community Education at 518-580-2450, or visit the online calendar featuring all of our community programs.