The Birthplace
- The Experience of a Lifetime
- Baby Photo Gallery
- Maternity Tour
- Classes
- Online Classes
- Mom's Place
- CPR for Family and Friends
- Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System
- Addiction Assistance for Pregnant Women
- Scholarships
The Experience of a Lifetime
When it comes to making your birthing experience as joyous as possible, there’s no better place in Central Pennsylvania than The Birthplace at Holy Spirit Hospital.
At The Birthplace you’ll experience:
• Single-room maternity care. While not always possible, most of our mothers spend their entire stay in the privacy and convenience of one beautiful, warm and comfortable suite for labor, delivery and recovery.
• Our unique approach to maternity care. It allows for better bonding and initiates a host of health-related benefits for you and your baby.
• Continuity of care that allows the same team of highly skilled nurses to stay with you from start to finish so you have “partners” familiar with your entire stay.
• Peace of mind knowing we can provide special care through our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and our state-of-the-art technology and security system. Our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is staffed by some of the area's most respected neonatologists, all ready to assist your physician or midwife with your baby's medical needs.
For more information on any of the above programs, or to learn more about The Birthplace, please call 717-763-BABY (2229). Or email us at childbirth@hsh.org.
Search our photo archives for our newest arrivals.
Maternity Tour Information
Tours are available from your childbirth instructor in your Childbirth Preparation Course. This 30-minute tour provides the expectant mother and her partner an opportunity to visit The Birthplace. You can also schedule a tour by calling 717-763-BABY (2229). 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.)
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Classes
Education Programs for Parents and Siblings
Preparation for your baby’s arrival begins long before the big day. To help you and your loved ones get ready, we offer a wide range of classes for everyone from mothers and fathers to grandparents, partners and children.
Whatever class you choose, you will experience a fun and enjoyable experience with professional, passionate instructors. We welcome you and look forward to meeting you!
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Registration is required for all programs. To register simply download the form from the link below and mail it in with your payment. Save 25% when you request the Combination Package. Cost for the Combination Package – is $90 per couple (a $120 value). The package includes the following classes: Childbirth Preparation (your choice of interactive or online), Baby Boot Camp and the Breastfeeding Class. Perfect for first time parents! To register for individual classes or the Combination Package, click here to Download the form and mail it in with your payment. |
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A confirmation letter is sent to you for all classes detailed below except the “Bear Essentials” class. If you are registering ONLY for the “Bear Essentials” class, you can email your registration to childbirth@hsh.org. |
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 on the date(s) below marked with an asterisk (*). Please choose one:
2013 Dates
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Holy Spirit Hospital Auditorium (6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. or *noon) |
January 10, 2013 |
| February 14, 2013 |
| *March 14, 2013 |
| April 11, 2013 |
| May 9, 2013 |
| June 13, 2013 |
| *July 11, 2013 |
| August 8, 2013 |
| September 12, 2013 |
| October 10, 2013 |
| *November 14, 2013 |
| December 12, 2013 |
Your Healthy Pregnancy
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. This class is provided at no cost to you. The following topics will be addressed:
• Steps to a healthy pregnancy
• Maintaining a balanced diet
• Your baby's development
• 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.
Your Healthy Pregnancy is free and is offered twice a month. One adult partner is welcome to attend with you! Choose one session from the following list.
2013 Dates
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Holy Spirit Hospital Auditorium 7 - 9 p.m. |
Center For Women's Health- Colonial Park 7-9 p.m. |
| January 3, 2013 |
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| February 7, 2013 |
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| March 7, 2013 |
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| April 4, 2013 |
April 18, 2013 |
| May 2, 2013 | May 16, 2013 |
| June 6, 2013 | June 20, 2013 |
| July 11, 2013 | |
| August 1, 2013 | August 15, 2013 |
| September 5, 2013 | September 19, 2013 |
| October 3, 2013 | October 17, 2013 |
| November 7, 2013 | November 21, 2013 |
| December 5, 2013 |
Center for Women's Health - Colonial Park is located at 2850 Commerce Drive, Harrisburg PA 17110.
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, although this class is available in the Combination Package for a reduced fee. Class availability is based on enrollment. The class series is held in the hospital auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m. on the following Tuesday and Wednesday evenings:
2013 Dates
| Tuesdays |
Wednesdays |
| February 12, 19, 2013 |
February 13, 20, 2013 |
| April 16, 23, 2013 |
April 17, 25, 2013 |
| June 11, 18, 2013 | June 12, 19, 2013 |
| August 13, 20, 2013 | August 14, 21, 2013 |
| October 15, 22, 2013 | October 16, 23, 2013 |
| December 3, 10, 2013 | December 4, 11, 2013 |
*Childbirth Preparation Course – Interactive or Online
Whether you prefer a live course with a professional nurse educator or an online course, we have an 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 per 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 eight-hour course, taught by experienced educators, will prepare you and your partner for the last months of pregnancy, labor and delivery. 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 also 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 meet Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All classes are held in the hospital auditorium. Please choose a Tuesday series, a Wednesday series or a weekend series.
2013 Dates
| Tuesdays |
Wednesdays | Weekends |
| January 8, 15, 22, 29 |
January 9, 16, 23, 30 |
January 18, 19 |
| March 12, 19, 26; April 2 |
March 13, 20, 27; April 3 |
March 8, 9 |
| May 7, 14, 21, 28 |
May 8, 15, 22, 29 |
May 3, 4 |
| July 9, 16, 23, 30 | July 10, 17, 24, 31 | June 21, 22 |
| Sept. 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1 | Sept. 11, 18, 25; Oct. 2 | Sept. 6, 7 |
| Oct. 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19 | Oct. 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20 | Nov. 8, 9 |
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)
• A computer with sound and speakers or headphones to hear the audio
• Every “0” assigned to the codes is considered numeric
Childbirth Education eLearning Tool:
Online Course Login - 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.
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:
2013 Dates
| Monday | Tuesday |
Wednesday |
| February 4, 2013 |
February 5, 2013 |
February 6, 2013 |
| April 8, 2013 |
April 9, 2013 |
April 10, 2013 |
| June 3, 2013 |
June 4, 2013 | June 5, 2013 |
| August 5, 2013 | August 6, 2013 | August 7, 2013 |
| October 7, 2013 | October 8, 2013 | October 9, 2013 |
| November 25, 2013 | November 26, 2013 | November 27, 2013 |
Big Brother, Big Sister Night
Designed for expectant brothers and sisters between 3 and 10 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 6.00 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:
2013 Dates
|
Thursday |
| January 24, 2013 |
| February 28, 2013 |
| March 28, 2013 |
| April 25, 2013 |
| May 23, 2013 |
| July 25, 2013 |
| August 22, 2013 |
| September 26, 2013 |
| October 24, 2013 |
| November 28, 2013 |
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Registration is required for all classes. To register for individual classes or the Combination Package, click here to Download the form and mail it in with your payment. |
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A confirmation letter is sent to you for all classes detailed above except the “Bear Essentials” class. If you are registering ONLY for the “Bear Essentials” class, you can email your registration to childbirth@hsh.org. |
Mom’s Place
A pregnancy and new moms’ support group offers understanding, information and sharing for pregnant women and new mothers with babies less than 1 year of age. The purpose of the group is to prevent perinatal depression and anxiety by providing support. It is a free, drop-in 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 717-763-2200.
CPR for Family and Friends
In this one-evening course, you will learn how to perform CPR and relieve choking for infants and children up to 8 years of age. You will also learn about injury prevention, the leading cause of death, for infants and children. 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 717-972-4262. Class is held in the hospital auditorium from 7 to 9:30 p.m. on the following dates:
2013 Dates
March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17, November 21, December 19.
Creighton Model FertilityCare™ System
The Center for Women’s Health is also known for a unique and specialized service that draws couples from across the state and nationally. This highly successful approach utilizes the Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System (CrMS). This program incorporates FertilityCareTM and NaProTECHNOLOGY.
As you look forward to the birth of your new baby, you may already be thinking about your family planning needs. Are you looking for something that is natural, highly effective (over 99%), with no side effects for Mom or baby? If so, please join us for a free introductory session. The CrMS can be used by the breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mother and during the postpartum period. It is a wonderful tool in tracking the return of your fertility. Taking the class now, during pregnancy, will make it even easier for you to use the system following delivery.
Spirit FertilityCare Services at the Center for Women’s Health offers free introductory sessions to the Creighton Model FertilityCareTM System monthly at our Camp Hill and Colonial Park offices. You do not need to be a patient of the Center for Women’s Health to attend. For more information or to register to attend an introductory session call (717)909-9414 or email: fertilitycare@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 medical care
• Coordinates community agency services
• Provides transportation to and from the program
• Is FREE to women in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, and Perry counties. For more information, call 717-763-3008 or 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 checkmark by “Financial Assistance” under class selections on the registration form. The scholarship covers all class costs; however, a one-time materials fee of $20 per couple is charged.
