Search
Childbirth Education
Phone: (207) 596-8345

Childbirth Education Classes

Download the 2013 Childbirth Education Schedule.

To register, please call 596-8345 and leave a message.

Childbirth Education consists of a series of six sessions, plus an optional breastfeeding class. We offer a condensed series on two Saturdays for people who are unable to attend the six-week series.

Classes include:
• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• What to expect during labor
• Information about newborns
• Tour of labor and delivery rooms
• Information about hospital policies

Our classes consist of approximately 10 couples and are held in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages participation. All of our instructors have received Childbirth Education Certification.

The cost for the series is $102. Scholarships are available. To register, please call 596-8345 and leave a message. We will return your call as soon as possible. If the dates and times aren't convenient for you, we will try to make other arrangements. Scholarship money may be available to qualifiying families.

The Birth Center
Plan to visit the Birth Center on the maternity unit at Pen Bay Medical Center to pre-register before your birth date. Allow one hour to fill out paperwork. Please call 596-8343 for an appointment.

The Birth Center offers large, pleasant labor and delivery rooms. A beautiful Jacuzzi room is available with a tub for the laboring woman to soak in if desired and are medically approved. We've also added a new, specially designed water-birthing tub for your use.

The Staff
Our staff provides the best in labor, postpartum and newborn care in a family-centered atmosphere. We have eight lactation consultants and a supportive staff to assist with breastfeeding. Our staff is available 24 hours a day to answer questions at 596-8343, even after you go home with your baby.

Childbirth Education Classes
Held in Conference Room C, Pen Bay Physicians Building on the Pen Bay Medical Center campus. Cost: $102. Ask the instructor regarding scholarship funds.

• Jan. 12 & 13, Saturdays  9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Feb. 13 to March 20, Wednesdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• April 5 to May 10, Fridays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• June 8 & 9, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• July 12 to Aug. 16, Fridays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Sept. 4 to Oct. 9, Wednesday 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 
• Oct. 12 & 13, Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Nov. 1 to Dec. 14, Thursdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Breastfeeding Education Classes
To be attended before the birth of your baby. A chance to get your questions answered. Find out how to get off to a good start. Learn about coping with breastfeeding and returning to work. Taught by Lynn Tauss, RN, IBCLC. This one-night class is held in Conference Room C, Pen Bay Physicians Building on the Pen Bay Medical Center campus, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Please call 596-8345. Cost: $17.  In 2013, classes will be held:

  • Jan. 3
  • Feb. 7
  • Mar. 27
  • Apr. 4
  • May 2
  • June 6  
  • Aug. 21
  • Sept. 5
  • Oct. 3
  • Nov. 7
  • Dec. 4

Our Lactation Consultant line, 596-8337, is available for questions or concerns for mothers no matter the age of their breastfeeding baby.

Infant Massage Classes
These classes may be taken before or after birth. Please bring a doll or your baby to the class. Taught by Kathleen Hastings, RN. This  is held in Conference Room C, Pen Bay Physicians Building on the Pen Bay Medical Center campus, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Cost: $17. Classes will be held Mar. 13, June 12, Sept. 11, Nov. 3.

Express Classes
The Express Class is a one-time, two-hour class of preparation for parents with last-minute "jitters",who were not able to take the full course, or who need a refresher class. Held approximately twice monthly at the Birth Center at Pen Bay Medical Center. Cost: $8.50 per hour per couple. Classes are arranged by appointment - call 596-8345.

Hypnobirthing Classes
This is the ninth year we have offered this class. Mothers and their companions learn techniques for safe and satisfying birthing through guided imagery, visualization and special breathing. Taught by Kathleen Hastings, RN. Held in Conference Room C, Pen Bay Physicians Building, on the Pen Bay Medical Center campus. Cost: $102.

All classes are held on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.:

• Jan. 2 to Feb. 6 (no class Feb. 8)
• July 10 to Aug. 14
• Oct. 23 to Nov. 27

Labor Support - Massage Classes
The Labor Support Massage class is an opportunity for couples to learn specific coping techniques from a certified massage therapist. Taught by Kathleen Hastings, RN. Cost: $17. Classes can be arranged by appointment - call 596-8345.

Sibling Program
For all children and their parents. Please call 596-8345 to register; leave your name and number and the ages of your children. Taught by Donna Dancer, RN, and Sue Fleming, RN. Held in Conference Room C, Pen Bay Physicians Building, on the Pen Bay Medical Center campus. No cost.

• Jan. 5, March 2, May 4, July 6, Sept. 6, Nov. 2. Saturdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
• Feb. 1, April 3, June 6, Aug. 7, Oct. 2, Dec. 6. Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m.6

Support Groups

New Moms Support Group
The New Moms Support group is an informal group that provides support and information for mothers. Infants and young babies are welcome. Facilitated by Wendelanne Augunas.  Held at the Women's Health Center on the Pen Bay Medical Center campus, Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. No cost. For more information, call Wendelanne at 596-8955.

Mother's Milk Network
The Mother's Milk Network is a support group for breastfeeding families. The format is informal. It provides group interaction as well as individual assistance when needed. Facilitated by Lynn Tauss and Kathleen Brooks, Lactation Consultants. Held at Pen Bay Medical Center in the waiting room across from the Lab.  No cost. Tuesdays 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Our Lactation Consultant phone, 596-8337, is available for questions or concerns for mothers no matter the age of their breastfeeding baby.

Postpartum Clinic - (scheduled appointment)
The Postpartum Clinic is a private nursing assessment of both mom and baby available to new mothers, scheduled for one to three days after discharge. You will be seen by an OB nurse. Held at the Birth Center on the maternity unit at Pen Bay Medical Center. No cost.
________________________________________

Our Educators

Wendelanne Augunas, MS / LCPC
Wendelanne is the Women and Family Health Care Manager, who collaborates within the system of care to meet and support the needs of patients and their families at the Women's Health Center, at Pen Bay Birth Center, and in the greater community. She also serves as the co-director of the Picker Family Resource Center. Her role is to help women and their families with information, emotional support and referral assistance when needed. She holds credentials as both a licensed clinical professional counselor and a marriage and family therapist.

Donna Dancer, RN
Donna has worked as an OB nurse for 40 years. She has worked at the Pen Bay Birth Center for 29 years, teaching childbirth education and sibling classes for 24 years.

Sue Fleming, RN
Sue has worked at the Pen Bay Birth Center for 34 years. In addition to her nursing degree, she has a BA in sociology.

Kathleen Hastings, RN
Kathleen has been an OB nurse at Pen Bay for 14 years. She is certified by the International Childbirth Educators Association (ICEA) in childbirth education and in hypnobirthing, and is a certified doula and a licensed massage therapist (certified in adult, labor and infant massage). Kathleen is also an internationally board-certified lactation consultant.

Maude Reddy, RNC
Maude has been an RN for more than 10 years. She has worked at Pen Bay for more than 15 years. She has her national certification as an inpatient obstetric nurse and as a childbirth educator.

Lynn Tauss, RN
Lynn has worked on the maternity unit at Pen Bay Birth Center for 33 years. She has been teaching childbirth education for 21 years. Lynn is a lactation consultant and teaches the breastfeeding classes. She is certified by the International Childbirth Educators Association (ICEA).
________________________________________

Contact information

    • Childbirth Education (voicemail only) - 596-8345
    • Child Passenger Safety Program - 596-8711
    • Lactation Consultant - 596-8337
    • Pen Bay Birth Center - 596-8340

2012-01-05

This service belongs to the following categories (click to expand):

This service is offered by the following organizations: