Types of classes offered:

For first time parents, we have three options: First Birth Class, Fast Track Class, and our new Tuesday Night Special.  We also offer Boot Camp for New Dads, a workshop designed exclusively for first time fathers-to-be.

For all parents, we offer Happiest Baby on the Block, and Happiest Toddler on the Block.  We also have a free breastfeeding support class. 

 

Please see below for detailed class descriptions.

 

 

Registration and payment information:

First Birth, Fast Track, and Tuesday Night Special classes are $70, and your spouse or coach is encouraged to attend (no additional charge for coaches).  Boot Camp for New Dads, Happiest Baby, and Happiest Toddler are $25.  Advance registration is required for all classes except breastfeeding, and payment is required at the time of registration.  You can sign up at the front desk at any of our locations.  Payment can be cash, check, Visa or MasterCard.  We do not accept Discover or American Express.  We do not bill insurance for classes.  If you would like to pay by credit card, you can register over the phone.  Space is limited, so please register for classes as early as possible. 

 

If you have questions about any of our classes, or would like to register by phone, please call Amy Roberts at 495-7948.

 

First Birth Classes

Designed for first-time parents, this is the most in-depth class that we offer.  First Birth classes meet once a week (either every Monday, every Wednesday, or every Thursday) for eight weeks from 7pm to 9pm.  Please see above for registration and payment information.

 

The First Birth classes include:

·         Terminology review, signs of labor and pre-term labor

·         Fear-Tension-Pain cycle, support measures and relaxation exercises

·         Packing ideas for your hospital stay

·         Medications and medical interventions

·         Vaginal and cesarean birth

·         Breastfeeding

·         Postpartum period, newborn care and lifestyle adjustment

·        Tour of Poudre Valley Hospital birthing center

 

Fast Track Classes

Designed for first-time parents who, because of their schedules, are unable to attend the First Birth classes.  This class takes place over one weekend, Saturday 9:00-1:00, and Sunday from 1:00-5:00.  Please see above for registration and payment information.

Please be aware that the total time spent in a Fast Track class is only half of the total time allowed for a First Birth class.  It is simply not possible to cover all of the same information and with the same thoroughness as in the eight week course.  Most topics are simply presented in a more condensed format, but some have to be eliminated altogether.

 

The following topics are not included in the Fast Track class:

·         Breastfeeding – you will have the option of attending one of the weekday breastfeeding classes instead. 

·        Tour of Poudre Valley Hospital birthing center – tours can be arranged by calling the hospital at 495-7500, or online at www.pvhs.org.

 

Tuesday Night Special

            This class is offered during our busiest months.  It meets once a week for four weeks, from 6:00pm to 9:00.  Although this class is usually held on Tuesdays, we occasionally offer Friday night classes as well.  This class includes everything that is covered in the First Birth class, including breastfeeding, but in a slightly condensed format.  Please see above for registration and payment information.

 

Boot Camp for New Dads

Boot Camp For New Dads is a 3 hour workshop designed to help men start preparing now for what will undoubtedly be the adventure of a lifetime: fatherhood.  Veterans (new fathers who bring along their babies) orient rookies (fathers-to-be) on the realities of fatherhood in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.  Boot Camp is for men only – no females over six months old allowed.  Boot Camp for New Dads meets Saturdays, 9:00-12:00.  Please see above for registration and payment information.

 

Breastfeeding Support (begins September 9, 2005)

            You know that breastfeeding is one of the best things you can do for your baby.  You know it should be a wonderful time to bond with your child.  You even know it can help you lose some of that left-over pregnancy weight.  But you may be surprised to find that you and your hungry newborn just can’t seem to make it work!  Rest assured that you are not alone.  If you’re wondering how something so natural can be so hard, then this group is for you!

            Breastfeeding support is offered every Friday, 3:00-4:00.  Bring your baby with you.  Breastfeeding Support is free for all Fort Collins Women’s Clinic patients, and you do not need to register in advance.

 

Happiest Baby on the Block

Half of all new babies cry and fuss more than two hours a day.  Their prolonged wails often trigger exhaustion, frustration, breastfeeding failure, marital stress, and maternal depression.  In this nationally renowned program, founded by Dr. Harvey Karp, you will learn simple, effective and fun techniques to quickly soothe your baby’s cries and help your little one sleep longer.  Dr. Karp’s technique has been proven to reduce crying by up to 40%.

This class is designed specifically for parents and caregivers of babies ages 0-2 months, and may be taken before or after your baby’s birth.  For those taking the class after delivery, we encourage you to bring your baby with you.  Happiest Baby on the Block is a two-part class which usually meets the first and second Friday of each month, 1:00-2:30.  Please call for exact dates.  The Happiest Baby parent kit, which includes either a VHS or DVD and a calming CD, will be available for $25 ($15 off the retail price).  Feel free to stay afterward for Breastfeeding Support.  Please see above for registration and payment information.

 

Happiest Toddler on the Block

If you're living with a toddler, you know how quickly they can change.  One minute all is bliss, then BAM - they erupt into a mega tantrum on aisle 6 at K-mart!  It's no wonder exhausted and frazzled parents feel trapped into saying "No" and "Don't" constantly.  Here's the good news: that's about to change.  Never again will you feel powerless while your toddler screams.

This class is designed for parents and caregivers of toddlers, ages 1-3.  Happiest Toddler on the Block is a two-part class which usually meets the first and second Friday of each month, 10:00-11:30.  Please call for exact dates.  Please see above for registration and payment information.