Health center offers course in childbirth

The Community Health Center Inc. offers a free childbirth education course to all expectant mothers.

MIDDLETOWN >> The Community Health Center Inc. offers a free childbirth education course to all expectant mothers.

The free course, which is taught in two classes, meets on Saturdays, with new sessions starting each month. The course covers:

• changes during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and after the baby is born;

• signs of and preparation for labor and delivery;

• role of the labor support partner;

• unexpected outcomes, including Caesarean birth;

• newborn care;

• breastfeeding tips and techniques; and

• writing a birth plan. Participants should wear comfortable clothes and bring one or two pillows, a towel, water to drink and an exercise pad or mat.

“The course can be taken any time during pregnancy, and we think it is very helpful to women who are in their seventh or eighth month,” said Raquel Espinoza, the certified childbirth educator who leads the classes. “The classes help expecting mothers and their labor support partners become familiar with labor and delivery, ask questions, and prepare for the birth of the baby.”

The classes are taught in English, but Espinoza can accommodate Spanish speakers with Spanish language brochures and by speaking in Spanish if needed.

Registration is required for the free course.

For more information or to register, call Raquel Espinoza at 860-347-6971 ext. 3070.