Pregnancy and Parenting Programs

Many of these classes are offered through the Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Health First Center. For more information on Women’s Services, please visit the Catawba Valley Medical Center website or check the Calendar of Upcoming Events offered at the Health First Center. To register for a class please call 828-485-2300.

Lamaze Classes

A seven-class series to prepare mother and support person for labor, birth and postpartum. The birthing process, relaxation breathing techniques, and options for birth are discussed. A physician/midwife lecture and tour of the Birthing Center are included. Plan for your classes to begin at 26-28 weeks pregnancy, but register early, these classes fill up! CVMC offers the only Lamaze certified program in the area. Call 828-485-2300 to register.

Weekend Lamaze Class

Offered every other month, this class is for parents-to-be whose schedules will not permit a seven-class series. This class focuses on the labor and birth process. Call 828-485-2300 to register.

Refresher Lamaze Class

Reviews relaxation, breathing techniques and the birthing process. Call 828-485-2300 to register.

Exercise & Pregnancy

Prenatal/postnatal exercise classes, offered twice a week, include aerobic conditioning, strengthening, stretching, and relaxation techniques. Call 828-485-2300 to register.

Infant CPR

Small classes allow individual instruction by certified instructors. (Not designed for CPR Certification). Call 828-485-2300 to register.

Birth of a Father

Fathers and fathers-to-be get insight into the female psyche and physiological and emotional changes women go through before, during, and after pregnancy. Call 828-485-2300 to register.

Sibling Class/Tour

Special program designed for children as they anticipate the arrival of their new brother or sister. Includes tour of Birthing Center. Call 828-485-2300 to register.

“Grand” Grandparenting Class

This class reacquaints grandparents with the childbirth experience. Includes tour of Birthing Center. Call 828-485-2300 to register.

“Great Start” Breastfeeding Class

This class covers breastfeeding basics to get you and your baby off to a great start! Taught by a certified Lactation Consultant.

Positive Parenting

CVMC’s basic baby care class eases the transition into parenthood and fosters a healthy start for your child. Call 828-485-2300 to register.

Infant Massage Class

Massage helps strengthen and regulate baby’s respiratory, circulatory, and gastrointestinal functions. Parents benefit by establishing a loving communication with their child. Call 828-485-2300 to register.

Lactation Consultant

Available for prenatal or postpartum outpatient consultation for breastfeeding questions/concerns. Margaret Marsden, Certified Nurse Midwife and Certified Lactation Consultant, can help you off to the right start with a prenatal evaluation/teaching visit as well as postpartum lactation support. Call 828-485-2300 to register.