PRENATAL CLASSES

The Health Unit offers two types of classes: adult classes and youth classes. See below for class descriptions.

ADULT CLASSES:

Prenatal classes are held by the Health Unit in partnership with North Bay District Hospital. Classes taught by the Health Unit are divided into two series. Support person/partners are welcome!

Early Series (before 16 weeks of pregnancy):

Class 1: You and Your Baby’s Health
- Topics covered include:

• 4 steps to a more comfortable childbirth
• Your birthing plan
• Prenatal testing and screening
• Fetal development
• Discomforts in pregnancy
• Preterm labour
• Preterm babies
• Stress management
• Adjusting to your role as “mother”
• Contractions
• Relaxation breathing during labour

Class 2: Healthy Lifestyles in Pregnancy
- Topics covered include:

• Tools for labour
• Nutrition
• Food safety
• Healthy weight gain
• Smoking
• Physical activity
• Fatherhood

Late Series (after 16 weeks of pregnancy):

Class 1: Infant Safety / Transition to Parenthood
- Topics covered include:

• Car seat safety
• Home safety
• Sun safety
• Toy safety
• Childcare
• Immunization
• Why a new baby cries
• Colic
• Shaken baby syndrome
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• Postpartum changes in relationships and work
•  Sex in the postpartum period
• Support programs

Class 2: Infant Feeding
- Topics covered include:

• Postpartum mood disorders
• Infant feeding
• Breastfeeding
• Normal elimination patterns
• Feeding concerns
• Early childhood tooth decay
• When to introduce solids

Registration for Early and Late Series Adult Classes

• Classes are held Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm. Please register early, preferably in the first three months of pregnancy.

Fee

• $15.00 per registrant/couple for all classes (both series).

Adult Class Locations

Classes are available at the following locations:

• Burk's Falls – call 1-800-563-2808
• North Bay, Sturgeon Falls, Mattawa, South River – call (705) 474-1400 ext 2285
• Parry Sound – call (705) 746-5801 ext 3201

YOUTH CLASSES (Offered in North Bay Only)

These classes are offered to young mothers up to age 19. The youth series consists of seven classes and provides a safe and friendly atmosphere and addresses issues pertaining to young moms.  Support person/partners are welcome.

Topics covered include:

• The growing baby inside you
• Nutrition for mom
• Healthy Lifestyles
• Birth of the baby
• Hospital tour
• Infant feeding
• Mom and baby care
• Infant Safety

Registration for Youth Classes

• To register for classes please contact the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at (705) 474-1400, extension 2285 or 1-800-563-2808.   Please register early, preferably in the first three months of pregnancy.  Registration is limited.

Fee

• There is no fee for the Youth Classes.

Youth Class Locations

• Classes are available in North Bay only. Call North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit at (705) 474-1400, ext 2285 for dates and times.

Labour and Delivery Classes
North Bay
These classes are offered by the North Bay District Hospital and cover the following topics:

• Labour and Birth
• The Newborn
• Tour of the delivery suite
• Postpartum