Before Your Baby Basics
A series of 10 classes to help prepare for the arrival of your newborn. Topics include Lamaze, breastfeeding, nutrition, infant care and parenting, feeding, development, well-child visits, and first aid and CPR. Certain criteria must be met to be eligible for this program. Offered Thursday evenings, Bellevue Woman’s Center, 2210 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, 346-9410.
ICAN of the Capital District
A local chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network, the group offers education and support for cesarean prevention, cesarean recovery and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Monthly meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in Latham. Online discussion group and lending library also available. For more information, call Amanda at 577-1222 or email [email protected].
Prepared Childbirth
In this seven-week course, mothers-to-be and their partners will learn about breathing techniques, labor exercises, techniques for managing labor pain, delivery, post-partum and newborn care and breastfeeding. Seton Health Childbirth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. For dates and information, call 268-5979.
Prepared Childbirth Refresher Course
A shorter version of our Prepared Childbirth class, geared toward experienced parents. Seton Health Childbirth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. For dates and information, call 268-5979.
Infant Care
Learn the basics of infant care. Attend class after fifth month of pregnancy. Family members welcome. The Birth Place at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 262-5162.
Infant Massage
Learn the specialized techniques of infant massage. This gentle touch technique is designed to calm, comfort and quiet babies. Free. Seton Health Childbirth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. For dates and information, call 268-5979.
Childbirth Classes
A series of four, two-and-a-half hour classes focusing on labor, birth, and early postpartum. Topics include physical and emotional changes, the labor process, viewing a childbirth video, relaxation and breathing techniques, pain relief in childbirth, and the postpartum period. Offered Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Bellevue Woman’s Center, 2210 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, 346-9410.
Lamaze Childbirth Series
Pregnant women and partners who want to learn more about labor, birth and the early postpartum period are invited to attend. Cost is $70 per couple, The Birth Place at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 262-5162.
Mothers in the Middle
This class provides education and support for women and their partners in the fourth to seventh month of pregnancy. The class gives participants the opportunity to meet the staff, midwives and doctors and take a tour. Free. Seton Health Childbirth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. For dates and information, call 268-5979.
The Mommy Project
Program helps young mothers under age 23 prepare for parenting with education on safety, infant care and dealing with the stresses of being a young mother. Fathers-to-be are welcome. This course meets once a week for seven weeks. Free. Seton Health Childbirth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. For dates and information, call 268-5979.
Active Birth
Preparation for natural childbirth, birth advocacy and support, Tuesdays 7:30-9:30 p.m., Family Life Center, 20 Elm St., Albany. Cost is $10 per evening, or $64 for eight weeks. Pre-register by calling 465-0241 or 449-5759.
Caesarean Birth Class
Topics include indications for Caesarean birth, anesthesia, the birth, and the role of your partner, The Birth Place at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 262-5162.
Baby Basics
This course covers such infant care topics as feeding, bathing, diapering and health issues. It is perfect for adoptive parents and grandparents. Free. Seton Health Childbirth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. For dates and information, call 268-5979.
Special Siblings
This one-hour class helps children ages 3 and older prepare for a new baby sister or brother. It includes a tour of the childbirth center, hands-on experience with a life-size infant doll, and a birthday party in anticipation of the baby’s birth. Parents are encouraged to attend. Free. Seton Health Childbirth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. For dates and information, call 268-5979.
Sibling Class
Program prepares young children for the arrival of a new baby. Designed for children ages 3 to 10, this program includes how to hold the baby, feeding and diapering, as well as a trip to the newborn nursery. Offered monthly, Bellevue Woman’s Center, 2210 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, 346-9410.
Breastfeeding Basics
Certified lactation counselors teach breastfeeding and offer ongoing support for women who choose to breastfeed their babies. Free. Seton Health Childbirth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. For dates and information, call 268-5979.
Breastfeeding Support Groups
Certified lactation counselors provide support, education and instruction in breastfeeding. New moms, mothers-to-be, and babies are invited to attend. This support group is offered in Troy and Clifton Park. Free. Seton Health Childbirth Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. For dates and information, call 268-5979.
Breastfeeding Class
A certified lactation specialist provides information and instruction, to give baby the best nutrition available, 7-9 p.m., Samaritan Hospital, Family Birth Center, Troy, 271-3393.
Breastfeeding Class
Learn the advantages and helpful techniques for getting started and returning to work while nursing, The Birth Place at Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, 262-5162.
Breastfeeding Preparation
Learn from a lactation consultant and discover the benefits of breastfeeding, the lactation process, and maintaining your milk supply. Fathers are encouraged to attend. Offered twice a month, Bellevue Woman’s Center, 2210 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, 346-9410.
More About Breastfeeding Support Group
A lactation consultant addresses breastfeeding questions and concerns, as well as discussing returning to work while breastfeeding. Offered twice a month, 10 a.m.-noon, Bellevue Woman’s Center, 2210 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, 346-9514.
Breastfeeding Support
La Leche League International is dedicated to helping breastfeeding mothers through education, phone help and monthly meetings. Several chapters in the area. To find out about the group nearest you, call the La Leche League hotline at 439-1774.
Greenbush-Sand Lake La Leche League
Group meets the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Blooming Grove Reformed Church. Mother to mother support for breastfeeding. Call Jenn at 283-5187 or Betsy Belle at 283-1624.
Infant Massage
Northeast Women’s Health offers infant massage, taught by Connie Dyer, licensed massage therapist and certified infant massage instructor, first Wednesday of every month, Women’s Health Center, Samaritan Hospital. Call 271-3393 to register.
Infant Safety and CPR
Feel safe and secure when handling an emergency. This class is taught by a certified American Heart Association instructor, and addresses accident prevention, safe proofing your home, and infant and toddler CPR. Offered monthly, Bellevue Woman’s Center, 2210 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, 346-9410.
All About Infants
Developing confidence as a new parent is a very important step for you and your infant. Prepare to care for your new baby in this two-part series. Discussion includes selecting your baby’s doctor, feeding options, the developing newborn, bathing your baby, and signs of illness. Offered monthly, Bellevue Woman’s Center, 2210 Troy-Schenectady Road, Niskayuna, 346-9410.