Central Carolina HEALTH - Winter 2011 - (Page 9)

Baby Steps B y T E R R I B E l l , R N C , C E R T I f I E d I N pAT I E N T o B S T E T R I C S N U R S E about childbirth classes, and after spending the past 20 years as an instructor, I’ve heard them all. The biggest myth by far has been that an expectant mother only benefits from attending classes if she’s planning to deliver without any medication and use a more “natural” approach to labor. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Learn about the history of childbirth preparation classes, and how you can sign up for CCH’s Baby Steps series Photograph by Amy Smith There are many myths The Birth of Lamaze The idea of natural childbirth was popularized in the 1950s by Dr. Fernand Lamaze, who believed that one could reduce pain signals to the brain by refoFor more information, call cusing. Lamaze encouraged expectant parents to Central Carolina Hospital at take classes prior to the birth of their baby, learning (800) 483-6385 and ask imagery, relaxation and a pattern of breathing techfor the Baby Steps program. niques to help reduce or eliminate the pain a woman would otherwise feel while in labor. Many hospitals in support of the Lamaze method would not allow the father to be present for delivery unless he had participated in these Lamaze classes with his partner. Prior to this movement, fathers typically waited in the designated area and were not part of the birth experience. Learn about LittLe ones Getting Ready for Baby Over the years, Lamaze classes have evolved into the larger concept of “prepared childbirth.” The name says it all: The goal is to prepare expectant couples for the impending labor and birth process. Topics often include what to expect on arrival to the hospital, when to come to the hospital, medications and pain management options, the labor experience, delivery, postpartum care, and more. A tour of the birthing center is also given. Additional classes include newborn care, breastfeeding, and infant safety and CPR. At CCH, we encourage expectant couples to attend our Baby Steps series in the seventh month of pregnancy. The classes, which are designed to be informal and fun, are free to the public and led by instructors who are registered Labor & Delivery nurses. They are held in the CCH classrooms on Thursday evenings, and early registration is encouraged as space is limited. terri bell, rnC, started teaching childbirth in 1990. She obtained her certification in childbirth education through the International Childbirth Education Association. Upon graduation from Central Carolina Community College in 1995, she began working at Central Carolina Hospital in the medical-surgical department and later transferred to the Birthing Center. In 2001, she received her Registered Nurse Certified (RNC) credentials in inpatient obstetrics. WINTER 2011 | 9

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Central Carolina HEALTH - Winter 2011

Central Carolina Health - Winter 2011
Contents
Health Beat
In Bloom Again
Baby Steps
The Ride of Your Life
Heart Smart
Clowning Around

Central Carolina HEALTH - Winter 2011