The next scheduled prenatal class at Memorial Hospital in Chester will be Saturday, April 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the hospital conference room.  “Although that seems like a long time away, it will be here before we know it,” said a Memorial Hospital spokesman.
“Since epidural anesthesia is available to most laboring moms, many may feel that prenatal education is not necessary,” said Jill Arbeiter, R.N., and Julie Hartman, L.P.N., co-instructors of the class.  Both Arbeiter and Hartman disagree with that line of thinking.
Included in the class curriculum are such subjects as maternal nutrition, pregnancy complications, infant feeding, child safety, growth and development of the newborn, discipline and child rearing.  Cesarean sections and anesthesia options are discussed and films are shown that educate the expectant family about many aspects of childbirth.  Lamaze breathing and relaxation techniques are introduced and practiced.
These parenthood preparation classes at Memorial Hospital in Chester are given free of charge to the public.  Pre-registration, however, is preferred.  Anyone interested in registering or wishing to obtain more information, may call Memorial’s nursing office, 618/826-4581, ext. 1223.