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Educational Classes

Abilene Regional provides free community education classes for mothers delivering their babies at our hospital. We offer a variety of classes that are helpful in preparing you and your family for all the wonderful new changes that are about to come into your life. Call 325-428-4636 or 325-428-4950 for more information on topics, times and dates.

Childbirth Week-Night Classes
"Are You Ready?" This class is designed to help you answer yes to this question! We want you to be excited about and prepared for this new journey in your life. Come and learn about various topics such as breathing and relaxation, anesthesia and the epidural, the cesarean section, post-partum, the labor process, comfort techniques, and much more. Bring two pillows, a blanket, and a partner and get ready to learn all about childbirth.

Prepared Childbirth One-Day Condensed Class
This class packs a lot of information all into one Saturday morning. This is a good class for those of you who need a refresher course or those who do not have weekday evenings free for the 3-week class. There will be videos and a general overview of the birthing experience. Don't forget to bring a blanket, two pillows, and a partner to class.

The Joy of Being a Sibling Class
"I'm going to be a what?" Sometimes it can be hard to explain to children exactly what it means to be a sibling. The sibling preparation class is designed for children ages 3-12 and allows them an opportunity to be creative in designing a special picture for their baby brother or sister, have a story and a snack, practice the art of diapering, and learn exactly what to expect when they come to visit mom and baby in the hospital. The children are taken on a tour of the nursery area and will see a room like the one mom will have while in the hospital. Children should bring a favorite stuffed animal or doll and a parent or guardian. Be prepared for fun as we learn about newborns and the joy of being a sibling.

Breastfeeding Basics Class
Learn some helpful tips to make your first breastfeeding experience a little less uncertain and a lot more comforting. This class will include topics such as: what to expect in the early days at the hospital and at home, how to deal with the dilemma of breastfeeding and work, and what to do if any complications should arise. Fathers are welcome!

Pregnagym Program
Preparing for your pregnancy involves not only financial planning and setting lifestyle and career goals, it also includes body conditioning and health maintenance. Women who improve their overall health, fitness, and body tone before or during pregnancy, increase their ability to maintain their weight, remain healthy and retain a positive self-image.

Pregnagym is a planned and supervised fee-for-service exercise program designed for pregnant and post-partum women. Although many physical changes occur during pregnancy, the program benefits often include:

• More energy
• An increased endurance and fitness level
• Quicker post-partum recovery
• Improved self-image
• Less excessive weight gain
• Potential for a more efficient labor and delivery
• New lifestyle goals

Pregnagym begins with an initial assessment by a Licensed Physical Therapist who coordinates with the trainers to design a personalized exercise program. Proper body posture and stretching are also included in this evaluation. Next comes an orientation to all appropriate exercise equipment and a consult by qualified trainers. Personal one-on-one instruction and monitoring are included in the Pregnagym fee.

The exercise is performed in a climate-controlled environment at the David M. Collins WellHealth Center. Access to Aquatics is also available for an additional fee.

For more information about Abilene Regional's Pregnagym Program and the costs involved, call the WellHealth Center at 325-428-5700.