Classes & Programs
Having a baby is a big step, and can sometimes be overwhelming. To provide support to parents-to-be, as well as help to prepare for birth and life with a newborn, East Alabama Health offers a variety of helpful classes and shares information about other education opportunities.
Prepared Childbirth Class
This 3-hour class is designed to help expectant parents prepare for childbirth by teaching preparation for labor and delivery, postpartum care, and infant care. This course introduces the physical changes you can expect during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and after the birth of your child. You will learn about hospital procedures, anesthesia, and medications, as well as information about rooming-in with your baby. Comfort measures and basic coping strategies for laboring, pushing, and birth are also introduced. A tour of Labor and Delivery and the Mother/Baby unit is included, and we also encourage mom to bring her partner/support person to class. This class is recommended for first time parents. We do have a virtual option avaliable for those unable to attend in person.
Register for Prepared Childbirth Class
Unmedicated Childbirth Class
This 3-hour class aims to support mothers desiring an unmedicated birth. Lamaze coping strategies are taught by instructors with knowledge and skills in assisting with unmedicated birth. This class is recommended for all mothers planning an unmedicated delivery. Mothers should bring a pillow to the class, and are encouraged to bring her labor support person to class. You will be learning great hands on techniques to assist with support and relaxation.
Register for Unmedicated Childbirth Class
Birth Navigator Services
Meet your personal guide for your journey to motherhood. When you’re pregnant, there are a lot of special moments to look forward to. But there is also a lot to do between now and the big day. That’s why we are proud to introduce our free birth navigator service, which is designed to help you plan for the next few months.
When you meet with your Birth Navigator, she will assess your personal pregnancy needs, help acquaint you with all our prenatal services, provide information about breastfeeding and other healthy behaviors, discuss labor options and birth preferences, assist in selecting classes/groups based on your needs, and provide a guided facilities tour.
Schedule a Birth Navigator Appointment
Breastfeeding Preparation Class
This is a targeted class teaching the basics of breastfeeding a baby and designed for expectant mothers who are interested in learning more about breastfeeding. The class includes information about techniques and methods, storing milk and hints for working mothers. The class is taught by Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC’s). Registration is required.
Breastfeeding Support Group
This group provides a comfortable place for breastfeeding mothers to share ideas as well as seek emotional support. An infant weight scale is available at each session for mothers who wish to track their baby’s weight gain. There is no registration required for this support group, and you are welcome to stop in at any time during the 12 - 2 p.m. session. This group meets on the third floor of East Alabama Medical Center in the Maternal Child Education Room.
The Breastfeeding Support Group is held each Thursday from 12 - 2 p.m. You do not need to register for the class, you are welcome to simply show up. If you have any questions, need any additional breastfeeding support, or would like to schedule a one-on-one lactation consultation, please reach out to one of our lactation consultants.
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Angela Hamby, BSN, RN, IBCLC; Cell: 334-332-1833 (call or text)
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Cheryl Adams, BSN, RN, IBCLC; Cell: 334-707-2409 (call or text)
Small Wonders Program
The Alabama Medicaid Maternity Care Program is designed to ensure that every Medicaid-eligible pregnant woman has access to medical care, with the goal of lowering Alabama’s infant mortality rate and improving maternal and infant health.
The Small Wonders Program of Maternity Services of District 11, LLC coordinates the service delivery system for recipients who reside in Barbour, Chambers, Lee, Macon, and Russell Counties.
Recipients must enroll in the Small Wonders Program and receive care from a provider in our network for Medicaid to cover services and care received during pregnancy, delivery, and the post-partum period.
The Small Wonders Program can be contacted through our toll free number 1-877-503-2259 or (334) 528-6830.