CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION – 2010

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 $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 Birth Center
Plan to visit the Birth Center on the maternity unit at Penobscot Bay Medical Center (PBMC) to pre-register before your birth date. Allow one hour to fill out paperwork. Please call 596-8340 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 seven 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 PBMC Campus. Cost: $90.

• Jan. 9 & 16, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (snow date: Jan. 23)
• Feb. 4 to March 11, Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (snow date: March 18)
• April 7 to May 12, Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• June 12 & 19, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• July 9 to Aug. 13, Fridays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Sept. 2 to Oct. 7, Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Oct. 23 & 30, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Nov 5. to Dec. 10, Fridays 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (snow date Dec 17)

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. Held in Conference Room D, Pen Bay Physicians Building, on the PBMC Campus, first Thursday of each month, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Cost: $15.

Our Lactation Consultant phone, 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. Classes can be arranged by appointment. Please call 596-8345. Cost: $15.

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 on the maternity unit at PBMC. Classes are arranged by appointment - call 596-8345. Cost: $7.50 per hour per couple.

Hypnobirthing Classes
This is the seventh 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 PBMC Campus. Cost: $90.

• Jan. 6 to Feb. 10, Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m. (snow date Feb. 17)
• April 1 to May 6, Thursdays, 6 to 8 p.m.
• July 7 to Aug. 18, Wednesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 4 to Nov. 8, 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 on the PBMC Campus. Classes can be arranged by appointment. Please call 596-8345.Cost: $15.

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 Birth Center on the maternity unit at PBMC. No cost.

• Saturdays, 9:30 to 11 a.m. – Jan. 9, March 6, May 1, July 10, Sept. 11, Nov. 6.
• Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5 p.m. – Feb. 3, April 7, June 2, Aug. 11, Oct. 6, Dec. 1.

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. No cost. Held at the Women's Health Center on the PBMC campus, Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. 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 PBMC in the waiting room across from the Pharmacy Tuesdays 12:30 to 2 p.m. No cost.

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

Our 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 and support the needs of patients and their families at the Women's Health Center, at PBMC Maternity unit, 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 37 years. She has worked in the maternity unit at PBMC for 26 years, teaching childbirth education and sibling classes for 21 years. Donna is certified by the International Childbirth Educators Association (ICEA).

Sue Fleming, RN
Sue has worked on the PBMC Maternity unit for 31 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 11 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 seven years. She has worked at PBMC for more than 12 years. She has her national certification as an inpatient obstetric nurse and as a childbirth educator.

Kathleen Straka, RN
Kathleen is an OB nurse certified in childbirth education.

Lynn Tauss, RN
Lynn has worked on the maternity unit at PBMC for 30 years. She has been teaching childbirth education for 19 years. Lynn is a lactation consultant on the Maternity unit and teaches the breastfeeding classes. She is ICEA-certified.

Updated: 11/23/09