2009 Childbirth Education Courses
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 also 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 $90. 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.
The Birthing Center
Plan to visit the Birthing Center in the Maternity unit at Penobscot Bay Medical Center during the day to pre-register before your birth date. Allow one hour to fill out paperwork. Please call 596-8340 for an appointment.
The Birthing 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 medically approved. We've also added a new, specially designed water-birthing tub for your experience.
The Staff
Our staff provides the best in labor, postpartum and newborn care in a family-centered atmosphere. We have three consultants and a supportive staff to assist with breastfeeding. Our staff is available 24 hours a day to answer Moms' questions, even after you go home with your baby.
Educators
Wendelanne Augunas, MS / LCPC. Wendelanne is the Women and Family Health Care manager. Her role is to collaborate within the system of care to meet the support needs of patients at the Women's Health Center, at PBMC Maternity and in the greater community. She holds credentials as both a licensed clinical professional counselor and a marriage and family therapist.
Donna Dancer, RN. Donna has worked as a maternity nurse for 36 years. She has worked in the Maternity unit at PBMC for 25 years, teaching childbirth education and sibling classes for 20 years. Donna is certified by the International Childbirth Educators Association (ICEA).
Sue Fleming, RN. Sue has worked on the Maternity unit at PBMC for 30 years. In addition to her nursing degree, she has a BA in sociology.
Kathleen Hastings, RN. Kathleen has been an OB nurse at PBMC for 10 years. She is ICEA-certified in childbirth education and in hypnobirthing, as well as 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 6 years. She has worked at PBMC for more than 11 years. She has her national certification as an inpatient obstetric nurse. Kathleen Straka, RN. Kathleen is a Med/Surg nurse who works at PBMC. She is certified in childbirth education.
Lynn Tauss, RN. Lynn has worked on the Maternity unit at PBMC for 29 years. She has been teaching childbirth education for 18 years. Lynn is a lactation consultant on the Maternity unit and teaches the breastfeeding classes. She is ICEA-certified.
Childbirth Education Classes
Held in Conference Room C, Pen Bay Physicians Building.
Cost: $90
- Jan. 10 & 17, Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Feb. 12 to March 19 (snow date March 26), Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- April 1 to May 6, Wednesdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- May 14 to June 18, Thursdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- June 13 & 20, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- July 10 to Aug. 14, Fridays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Sept. 10 to Oct. 15, Thursdays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Oct. 17 & 24, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Nov 6. to Dec. 18, Fridays, 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 asked. Find out how to get off to a good start. Learn about coping with breastfeeding and returning to work. Taught by Lynn Tauss, RN. Held in Conference Room D, Pen Bay Physicians Building.
Cost: $15
First Thursday of each month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., except January: Jan. 8 (second Thursday)
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.
Held in Conference Room C, Pen Bay Physicians Building.
Cost: $15.
Thursdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Jan. 29, Feb. 26, March 26, April 30, May 28, June 25, July 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Dec. 10.
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. These classes can be arranged by appointment. Taught by Kathleen Straka, RN.
Held approximately twice monthly in the Maternity unit at PBMC. Cost: $7.50 per hour per couple
Hypnobirthing Classes
This is the sixth 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 at the Women's Health Center on the PBMC campus, unless otherwise noted.
Cost: $90.
- Jan. 8 to Feb. 12, Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.
- April 6 to May 11, Mondays 6 to 8 p.m.
- July 9 to Aug. 13, Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m., Conference Room C, Pen Bay Physicians Building
- Oct. 5 to Nov. 9, Mondays, 6 to 8 p.m.
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.
Held in Conference Room D, Pen Bay Physicians Building.
Cost: $15.
Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 21, Feb. 25, March 25, April 29, May 27, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26, Sept. 30, Oct. 21, Dec. 9.
PBMC 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 the Maternity unit at PBMC. No cost.
- Saturdays, 9:30 to 11 a.m. – Jan. 3, March, May 2, July 11, Sept. 12, Nov. 7
- Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. – Feb. 4, April 1, June 3, Aug. 5, Oct. 7, Dec. 2
New Mom's Support Group
The New Mom's Support group is an informal group that provides support and information for mothers. Infants and young babies are welcome. Facilitated by Wendelanne Augunas. For more information, please call Wendelanne at 596-8955.
Held at the Women's Health Center on the PBMC campus.
No cost.
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Postpartum Clinic
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. It is done by one of the lactation consultants, all of whom are also nurses.
Held at the Maternity unit at PBMC. No cost.
Mother’s Milk Network
The Mother's Milk Network is a support group for breastfeeding families. It is facilitated by one of the Lactation Consultants. The format is informal. It provides group interaction as well as individual assistance when needed. Facilitated by Wendelanne Augunas.
Held at PBMC in the waiting room across from the pharmacy.
No cost.
Tuesdays, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Updated: 10/29/08