New-parent courses

Rome — Rome Memorial Hospital will offer a childbirth class on Jan. 7. Maternity nurse Laurie Hoke, RN, will lead the six-week course to prepare parents for labor and delivery. Instruction is based on the Lamaze fundamentals of childbirth. Classes will be held Tuesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. The next course begins Jan. 7 in Rome Memorial Hospital’s second floor classroom. The fee for the course is $75 and can be paid at the first class. Cash or a check made out to Rome Memorial Hospital will be accepted. Baby Care Basics class begins January 11: Parents-to-be can learn about childbirth, newborns and other related topics by attending “Baby Care Basics,” a two hour program taught by Rome Memorial Hospital maternity nurse Michelle Bates, RN. The January classes will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. – noon and Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6-8 p.m. in the hospital’s classroom. Additional classes will be held throughout the year: Wednesdays March 4, May 27, July 8, Sept. 2 and Nov. 18 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays, March 21, May 2, Aug. 8, Sept. 19 and Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – noon. Feeding Your Newborn class begins January 18: Human milk is the best possible nutrition for your baby. With knowledge and practice, both mother and baby can learn how to successfully breastfeed. Learn about your baby’s nutritional needs, feeding by breast or bottle and other hand feeding methods. Other education includes how to store breast milk, sterilize bottles, and prepare formula. All are welcome to attend regardless of feeding choice. International Board Certified Lactation Specialist Amanda Huey, RN, IBCLC will lead the free class Saturday, January 18 from 10 a.m. to noon in the hospital’s second floor classroom. Additional classes will be offered on Saturday mornings throughout the year: March 14, May 9, July 18, Sept. 19 and Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the hospital’s classroom.