Growing Expectations Services-Community Hospital of Los Gatos-Los Gatos, CA

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Growing Expectations

We know that there are few life experiences as emotionally rewarding as the birth of a child. At Community Hospital of Los Gatos we care about providing a positive childbirth experience by offering quality service starting with our maternity tours and prenatal classes, followed by lactation assistance during your hospital stay and ongoing support for you and your family after you return home. We consider it a privilege that you chose to share your experience with us.

Along with the excitement of finding out you're pregnant comes a million questions. Growing Expectations offers you answers - with a full schedule of classes that help prepare you for pregnancy, birth and parenting.

The “Getting Ready” Tour

“More often than not this is your first experience in a hospital. It is my hope that it be a positive and memorable one. I have been doing the tours for over 15 years and care deeply about showing you the entire department where your newborn will be delivered.” Liz Scalmanini, Maternity Tour Guide

As your due date approaches, you’ll want to acquaint yourself with both the place and the particulars of your upcoming birth experience. This program includes a guided tour of our Labor and Delivery, Post Partum and Newborn Nursery. There will also be a question and answer session with our professional staff as well as a presentation discussing what to expect from admission to discharge. These free sessions are offered two Wednesdays per month from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm and two Saturdays per month from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The group gathers in the Main Lobby of the hospital. Refreshments are provided. Reservations are required.

Preparing for the "Big Event" (Childbirth Preparation)

Help prepare yourself physically and emotionally for the birth process with this three week program. Certified childbirth educators will help you and your coach develop controlled breathing and relaxation techniques with practice sessions that emphasize your coach’s role. You’ll also learn about packing your labor bag, how to recognize symptoms of labor, when to come to the hospital, what to expect during labor and delivery, physical changes during recovery, medical options, and post partum adjustment. A tour of the Family Birth Place and a guest pediatrician speaker will be included in your class. We suggest that you plan to complete the program about 3-4 weeks before your delivery date. These three week series sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

"Big Event" Express

This class is designed for those people who don’t have time for a traditional childbirth class schedule. This class will cover the basic information for childbirth. The pediatrician guest speaker and tour of the Family Birth Place are not included in this class. Please call to schedule a tour separately. This is a one day class offered once a month on a Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

"Big Event" Refresher

For those who have previously given birth, a review of breathing and relaxation techniques and the process of labor and delivery. This is a one day class offered once a month on a Saturday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (first six hours of the "Big Event" express class)

The "Amazing Newborn" (Basic Baby Care Class)

Your new baby will bring you lots of surprises, so it helps to know what to expect. T his class is designed with first time parents in mind. Topics will include bathing, diapering, cord care, newborn characteristics, and safety issues. You’ll learn how to prepare for the everyday realities of parenting. This class is offered once a month alternating on either a Tuesday evening from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm or a Saturday morning from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Breastfeeding Class

Whether you have decided on breastfeeding or you’re still exploring the option, this class can help. Our lactation specialist teaches infant nutrition and successful breastfeeding techniques. You’ll also learn the advantages of breastfeeding, difficulties and common problems, anatomy and physiology, how to pump and store breast milk, feeding guidelines and proper positioning- so your first breastfeeding interaction with your baby will be a positive one! This class is offered once a month on a Tuesday evening from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Partners are encouraged to attend.

"We’re Having a Baby" (Sibling Class)

This class is for the future big brothers and sisters in your family, appropriate for 3 to 9 year olds. It is designed to help big brothers and sisters anticipate the birth of a new sibling. This class helps prepare siblings to visit the new baby in the hospital, helps explain your absence and reinforces the importance of a big brother or sister role in the family. Children learn the importance of hand washing before holding the baby, how to properly hold the infant, how they can assist with feedings and diaper changing- along with fun, safe ways to play with their new brother or sister. It will include a visit to a maternity room and the nursery. These sessions are held one Saturday per month from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. A parent is required to attend and a big brother or big bister T-shirt is given to each child at the end of our class.

Infant and Child CPR Class

As your prepare for your baby's homecoming, don't forget to make safety a priority. Our certified instructors will teach you invaluable CPR and obstructed airway (choking) management techniques. Lectures includes a DVD presentation, demonstration of techniques and hands-on practice. This class is appropriate for anyone associated with infants and your children. NEW! This class now offeres certification from the American Safety and Health Institute valid for two years for those who wish to test. This class is offered twice a month, a Tuesday from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm and a Saturday, from 9:30 am to 12 pm.

Basic First Aid Class

This course will teach you to be prepared to handle: bleeding control, broken bones, bites & stings, heat and cold related injuries/illnesses, diabetic emergencies, seizures, severe allergic reactions and much more. Certification from the American Safety & Health Institute is valid for 3 years. This course meets requirements for Daycare Providers, Preschool Teachers, Nannies, Lifeguards and anyone else interested. The class is offered quarterly on a Thursday evening from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Infant Massage Class

Infant massage is an ancient tradition and a tactile expression of love, security and physical comfort. This hands-on class teaches massage designed to meet your baby's individual schedule, needs, development level and disposition. This is a four week series that meets on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

To register for classes online, please visit Find an Event or Call Sharon Rea, Office Coordinator at 408-866-3905 to register for a class or classes that best fit your needs and busy schedule.

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