Education and Support
Education and Support for Your Birth Journey
Preparing for labor, delivery and life with your newborn can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to do it alone. The team offers education and resources designed to help you feel confident, informed and supported every step of the way.
Why does childbirth education matter?
Every birth experience is unique, and understanding your options can make a big difference. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, we provide classes and tools that cover everything from birth planning and pain management to newborn care and postpartum recovery.
What classes and resources are offered at Saint Mary's Regional Health System?
Through a partnership with Birthly, Saint Mary's Regional Health System now offers its patients free, virtual access to a variety of perinatal education classes.
How does Birthly work?
Patients can now access a variety of classes through an online platform. Patients can register for classes and connect with certified, experienced childbirth educators via a live video feed. The educator will provide live, interactive teaching, with dedicated time for the patient to ask questions. Patients now have more flexibility in choosing a time that fits their schedule and can connect from the comfort of their own home.
Classes Available Include:
- Early Pregnancy Preparations. A roadmap to a typical pregnancy journey, highlighting all the key milestones. You will hear about nutrition, exercise and mental health.
- Prenatal Bootcamp. A detailed overview of the labor and delivery process. Also covers the basics of common medical interventions and postpartum strategies.
- Coping and Comfort. An experiential class that equips parents with nonpharmacological tools and strategies commonly used for coping with labor.
- Breastfeeding 101. A class filled with specific instructions and expert advice on how to get a good start to breastfeeding.
- Newborn Care. A course designed to help new parents become familiar with newborn behavior and the ins-and-outs of practical baby care.
- Perinatal Mental Health. This class provides you with a better understanding of potential mental health issues and risk factors during pregnancy and after birth.
- Pre/Postnatal Movement and Mindfulness. This class will guide you through breathwork + movement that will open and strengthen your mind, body and heart.
For more information, please click the link below or call 479.964.9179.
Additional resources include:
Good Sibling Classes - Everyone is excited about a new addition to the family, but often a sibling may have questions, fears and concerns. For children three through 10 years of age, Saint Mary’s good siblings class prepares and reassures siblings for the arrival of their new family members. Children will learn about the maternity unit and important information on how to hold and properly care for a child. The class is held the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Women & Children’s Department, located on the third floor of the hospital. Classes are free, but you must pre-register.
Class photos are featured on Saint Mary’s Facebook page, so be sure to look for your precious good siblings and share the post with others. Like and follow us at facebook.com/saintmarysregional. Photo consent is required. You may opt out of the group photo if you prefer.
For more information, or to enroll your child, call Debbie Ellis at 479.964.5436 or 479.964.9179 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Bereavement Support
While we hope for joyful beginnings, we understand that some families face unimaginable loss. Your care team is here to provide compassionate care and emotional support during these difficult times.
We offer:
- Bereavement counseling and grief support resources
- Memory-making services for families who wish to honor their baby
- Referrals to local and national support groups
Our goal is to ensure no family faces this journey alone. Please speak with your nurse or care provider for confidential support.