Services for Expectant Families
Services: The Birthplace
| Select a Service for Expecting Families: | ||
|---|---|---|
Expecting a new addition to your family?
The Birthplace at Holy Spirit is equipped to meet the needs of women during and after the baby arrives. A variety of services are offered in a comfortable and warm environment. All of the rooms are private and are equipped for every phase of childbirth and feature its own bath/shower. Eight private suites have a whirlpool tub and shower, and an oak armoire with a TV and VCR. Dad or your birthing partner can stay overnight, too. A team of specially trained nurses provides care to each mom and baby during labor, delivery, and recovery.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is staffed by some of the area's most well-respected neonatologists, ready to assist your physician or midwife with your baby's medical needs. The NICU offers Level III care onsite, which means today's most advanced medical technology is close at hand to deal with any special needs.
Holy Spirit offers comprehensive educational programs to help prepare families for the birth of a baby. Early Pregnancy Education prepares you for what's ahead with the pregnancy. There are several course options to prepare for giving birth - an online class and a live class. Infant care classes include Baby Boot Camp and Breastfeeding. Sibling preparation classes are available as well. There is also a free pre-admission class called "Bear Essentials" which provides an opportunity for expectant mothers to complete mandatory admission paperwork prior to going into labor. For more information on classes, fees and schedules, call (717) 763-BABY (2229).
Education Programs for Parents and Siblings
- What will the mom and dad need most from the new big brother or sister?
- What if you've never changed a diaper before?
- Are you wondering how to handle your labor?
Holy Spirit Health System is a family-friendly environment. There are class offerings that include children, grandparents, and partners. Fathers in particular, benefit from Baby Boot Camp, and you will experience a fun and enjoyable experience in any of the classes you choose. We welcome you and look forward to meeting you!
Maternity Tour Information
Tours are available from your childbirth instructor in your Childbirth Preparation Course. This thirty-minute tour provides the expectant mother and her partner an opportunity to visit The Birthplace. You can also schedule a tour by calling 763-BABY. Due to the areas being toured, we are not able to accommodate children on this tour. (A tour especially suited for children is provided in our Children's Hour Class.)
Bear Essentials Class - Birthplace Preadmission
Our free, one-hour pre-admission class allows you to complete your mandatory paperwork before going into labor. Qualified educators teach every mother-to-be what she needs to know when choosing to deliver at Holy Spirit Hospital. This free class includes:
- Vital pre-admission information
- Instruction on how and when to come to the hospital, as well as what to pack
- Information to know when you are really in labor
- Demonstration of how to correctly install your new baby's car seat
- A packet full of valuable Birthplace information for use in the hospital
All classes are held at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the hospital auditorium. This class is for adults only. There is also a noon class offered where indicated with an asterisk *. (Choose one):
| *January 14, 2010 | *July 8, 2010 |
| February 11, 2010 | August 12, 2010 |
| *March 11, 2010 | *September 9, 2010 |
| April 8, 2010 | October 14, 2010 |
| *May 13, 2010 | *November 11, 2010 |
| June 10, 2010 | December 9, 2010 |
Baby Boot Camp
Join expert educators during this exciting and interactive two-evening class. Designed for expectant parents and parents of children up to one year of age, the evenings will provide you with up-to-date information on topics specific to parenting your child from birth to 12 months. Grandparents-to-be are also welcome in this class. Topics include:
- Techniques for comforting and soothing
- Preparing for emergencies
- The "how-tos" of bathing and dressing
- Age appropriate play and discipline
- How to understand your baby's sleep patterns
- Providing a safe and secure world for baby...And much, much more!
The fee* is $35 and the class series is held in the hospital auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following Tuesday and Wednesday evenings:
| Tuesdays | Wednesdays |
| 2010 Dates | |
| February 16, 23, 2010 | February 17, 24, 2010 |
| April 20, 27, 2010 | April 21, 28, 2010 |
| June 15, 22, 2010 | June 16, 23, 2010 |
| August 24, 31, 2010 | August 25 & September 1, 2010 |
| October 19, 26, 2010 | October 20, 27, 2010 |
| December 7, 14, 2010 | December 8, 15, 2010 |
*This class is available in the combination package for a reduced fee. Please note: Class availability is based on enrollment
Early Pregnancy Education
Discover the joys of pregnancy and learn more about how to care for your growing baby during these crucial nine months. Early pregnancy education was created to provide you with information to help you learn about your changing body and enjoy a healthy pregnancy. The following topics will be addressed:
- Steps to a healthy pregnancy
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Your baby's development
- Travel guidelines
- Exercise options and strategies
- What to avoid while pregnant
And lots of tips and encouragement from professional educators to start your pregnancy journey off right! The time spent together will be fun, informative, and interactive.
Early Pregnancy Education is free and is offered twice a month. One adult partner is welcome to attend with you! Choose one session from the following list.
| Holy Spirit Hospital Auditorium 7 - 9 p.m. |
Holy Spirit Colonial Park Center* 1 - 3 p.m. |
| March 4, 2010 | March 18, 2010 |
| April 1, 2010 | April 15, 2010 |
| May 6, 2010 | May 20, 2010 |
| June 3, 2010 | June 17, 2010 |
| July 1, 2010 | July 15, 2010 |
| August 5, 2010 | August 19, 2010 |
| September 2, 2010 | September 16, 2010 |
| October 21, 2010 | October 21, 2010 |
| November 4, 2010 | November 18, 2010 |
| December 2, 2010 | December 16, 2010 |
* Holy Spirit Colonial Park Center is located at 4230 Crums Mill Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112 (It is on the corner of Colonial and Crums Mill Road)
Childbirth Preparation Course – Interactive or Online
Whether you prefer a live course with a professional nurse educator or an online course, we have the offering that is right for you! Both the interactive and online courses are meant to be taken in the last four months of your pregnancy. The fee is $70/couple and you can choose the one that is best for you – either the interactive course or the online course.
Childbirth Preparation Course – Interactive Option
This course is taught by experienced educators and will prepare you and your partner for the last months of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. The eight-hour course is designed to be interactive and fun! It includes more in-depth information about labor and birth, coping strategies, medication options, comfort measures, and the postpartum period. A tour of The Birthplace is included. To accommodate your schedule, we offer two different interactive childbirth preparation course options – evenings or weekends.
Evening classes are held from 7 to 9 p.m.
Weekend classes: Friday 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All classes are held in the hospital auditorium.
Please choose a Tuesday, Wednesday or weekend series.
| 2010 Dates | |
| Tuesday | January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2010 |
| Wednesday | January 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 2010 |
| Weekend | January 29 & January 30, 2010 |
| Tuesday | March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 2010 |
| Wednesday | March 17, 24, 31 April 7, 2010 |
| Weekend | March 5 & March 6, 2010 |
| Weekend | April 16 & April 17, 2010 |
| Tuesday | May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2010 |
| Wednesday | May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2010 |
| Weekend | June 18 & June 19 2010 |
| Tuesday | July 20, 27, August 3, 10, 2010 |
| Wednesday | July 21, 28, August 4, 11, 2010 |
| Tuesday | September 14, 21, 28, October 5, 2010 |
| Wednesday | September 15, 22, 29, October 6, 2010 |
| Weekend | September 10, 11, 2010 |
| Tuesday | November 2, 9, 16, 23, 2010 |
| Wednesday | November 3, 10, 17, 24, 2010 |
| Weekend | November 5, 6, 2010 |
Childbirth Education eLearning Tool
Your login code is located on the confirmation email that was sent to you. If you have forgotten your code please call 763-BABY or send an email to: childbirth@hsh.org.
Childbirth Preparation Course – Online Option
The online childbirth preparation course is an alternative for those who cannot attend an interactive prepared childbirth course due to bedrest and scheduling conflicts. The program is a web-based program that includes animated illustrations, videos, voice-overs, and games. This online program is appropriate for couples delivering at The Birthplace or elsewhere.
Fee: The cost is $70/couple and includes:
- An access code that will be mailed to you with your confirmation letter valid for 30 days after initial log-on
In order to view the online program you will need the following:
- A PC or Mac
- The most recent version of Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader. These downloads are available free and are included with the online program. The download links are located at the bottom of the front page of the online book.
- A fast internet connection (DSL, cable, or other broadband advised. Dial up will work but will take longer to download)
- Computer with sound, and speakers or headphones to hear the audio
- All "0" assigned to the codes are considered numeric
Breastfeeding Class
Breastfeeding is a unique experience for every mother. This one-night class is beneficial whether you choose to breastfeed for many months or just a few weeks. It can also be helpful if you are unsure about whether to breastfeed or bottle feed. Fathers are encouraged to attend and are actively included in the class. Topics include: preparation for breastfeeding, infant feeding cues, proper techniques and problem solving. The fee is $15 and this class is included in the combination package for a reduced fee. Classes are held in the hospital auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following dates:
| Tuesday | Wednesday |
| February 9, 2010 | February 10, 2010 |
| April 13, 2010 | April 14, 2010 |
| June 8, 2010 | June 9, 2010 |
| August 17, 2010 | August 18, 2010 |
| October 12, 2010 | October 13, 2010 |
| November 30, 2010 | December 1, 2010 |
Children's Hour
Designed for expectant brothers and sisters between three and ten years of age, this class familiarizes children with newborns and the hospital environment. It includes a tour of The Birthplace and big brother or big sister "practice." It will give parents tips on how to make the arrival of a new baby a positive experience for their children. The fee is $15 per family and classes are held in the hospital auditorium from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. on the following dates:
| January 28, 2010 | July 29, 2010 |
| February 25, 2010 | August 26, 2010 |
| March 25, 2010 | September 23, 2010 |
| April 22, 2010 | October: no class |
| May 27, 2010 | November 4, 2010 |
| June: no class | December 2, 2010 |
High-Risk Pregnancy Bedrest Basket
Occasionally the unexpected happens during pregnancy. If you do not have Internet access and are unable to attend childbirth classes due to a high-risk pregnancy, please call us. We have a basket full of DVDs, videos, audios and literature which you can borrow. The fee is $30 for a two-week rental. We request a separate security deposit of $100 which will be returned to you when the basket and all of its contents are returned intact.
Please call 763-BABY to arrange rental of the bedrest basket.
Mom's Place
A pregnancy and new moms' support group offering understanding, information and sharing for pregnant women and new mothers with babies less than one year of age. The purpose of the group is to prevent perinatal depression and anxiety by providing support. It is a drop-in, free support group run by the Women's Behavioral Health staff each Tuesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments are served. The group meets at 20 Erford Road, Suite 11, Lemoyne. Free parking is available. For more information, please call 763-2200.
CPR for Family and Friends
In this one evening course, you will learn how to perform CPR and relieve choking for an infant and child up to 8 years of age. You will also learn about injury prevention, the leading cause of death, for the infant and child. You will have adequate time to practice these skills and be coached by a trained CPR instructor. Please note that this is not a "certification" course as there is no examination. The fee is $15 per person and you can register by calling 972-4262. Class is held in the hospital auditorium from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on the following dates:
| January 21, 2010 | July 15, 2010 |
| February 18, 2010 | August 19, 2010 |
| March 18, 2010 | September 16, 2010 |
| April 15, 2010 | October 21, 2010 |
| May 20, 2010 | November 18, 2010 |
| June 17, 2010 | December 16, 2010 |
Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System
Free Introductory Sessions of the Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System and NaProTECHNOLOGY®, a means of monitoring one's reproductive and gynecologic health is held monthly. This system is applicable to all reproductive categories including breastfeeding and pre-menopause. In addition to achieving or avoiding pregnancy, this system can help in evaluation and treatment of infertility, repetitive miscarriage, abnormal bleeding, ovarian cysts, pelvic pain, PMS, and perimenopausal symptoms. Registration required. Information for follow-up sessions and fee schedules are available upon request.
For more information, or to register for this class, contact: Dorice Millar, RN, Coordinator of FertilityCare™ Services, 763-9880 or dmillar@hsh.org.
Addiction Assistance for Pregnant Women
The Capital Region Maternal Assistance Program (MAP) is designed especially for pregnant women who have a substance abuse problem, including nicotine. The program:
- Assures you access to medial care
- Coordinates community agency services
- Provides transportation to and from the program.
Cost: FREE to women in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, and Perry counties.
For more information, call 763-3008 or 1-800-773-0280.
Scholarships
Many health insurance companies reimburse clients for attending childbirth classes. Call your company to find out if you have this benefit.
Scholarships are available for families unable to pay class fees. Place a check mark by "Financial Assistance" under class selections on the registration form. The scholarship covers all class costs; however, one-time materials fee of $20 per couple is charged.