Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH) will offer a Maternity Open House for expectant parents in January, in addition to its monthly prenatal and parenting education classes and community support groups, to educate and support parents in raising their families. Pre-registration is recommended for all classes by calling (985) 649-8585 or registering online at www.slidellmemorial.org. The SMH Parenting Center and Women & Children’s Services offer:
MATERNITY OPEN HOUSE
While you're awaiting the birth of your little one, bring the whole family for an evening of fun and information, door prizes, giveaways, tours, and refreshments. Expectant parents can tour SMH's recently renovated all-private labor and delivery suites and Beautiful Beginnings Boutique, and discover the advantages of delivering your baby at SMH. For your convenience, you can take this opportunity to pre-register at SMH for the birth of your baby.
When: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 28
Where: Women & Children’s Wing, 1001 Gause Blvd., 2nd Floor
PRENATAL EDUCATION
Breastfeeding Clinic
Certified Lactation Consultants offer support and encouragement as they discuss the advantages of breastfeeding, how to get started, how to prevent problems, common concerns and what to expect in the first few weeks.
When: 10:00-11:30 a.m., Sat., Jan. 9
Where: SMH Founders Building, 1150 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $25 per person if not pre-registered at SMH
Lamaze
This two-evening course teaches helpful methods for any birth. It also covers the stages of labor, what to expect, and the role of the labor support person. Participants will have the opportunity to practice comfort techniques and breathing exercises.
When: 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Jan. 22 & 29
Where: SMH Founders Building, 1150 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $50 per couple if pre-registered at SMH
Preparation for Birth
Designed specifically for first-time parents who are at least six months pregnant. This full-day class will cover: the stages of pregnancy, nutrition, pain management options, hospital stay and recovery, possible complications, and basic newborn care. (Moms are asked to bring a pillow for seating comfort.)
When: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturdays, Jan. 2 & 16
Where: SMH Founders Building, 1150 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $50 per couple if not pre-registered at SMH
Big Brother, Big Sister Class
A fun class to prepare children ages 3-10 for the arrival of a new sibling. Children will learn safe and proper ways to handle newborns; use life-like baby dolls to practice diapering and other baby care; make a special gift for the baby; and tour the newly renovated Labor & Delivery and Postpartum units. Parents receive tips on preparing children for their new family addition. Class should be attended when Mom is at least 7 months pregnant.
When: 3:30–5:30 p.m., Sun., Jan. 10
Where: SMH 12th St. Annex A
Fee: $10 per family due at registration
To register for any of the above Prenatal Classes, call (985) 661-2655.
PARENTING CENTER
Programs for School-Age and Teen Children
Girl Talk
For pre-teen and teen girls ages 9-13, Girl Talk explains the physical, social and emotional changes your teen will undergo during puberty. Presented by Dr. Ann Lobello, Ob/Gyn and Dr. Deborah Hilton, Dermatology. Girls must be accompanied by a woman adult.
When: 7 p.m., Wed., Jan. 20
Where: SMH Founders Building Conference Room, 1150 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $10 per couple
Parent Education Classes
Children in the Middle
This two-session co-parenting class for separated, divorcing and divorced parents teaches effective methods to keep children out of the middle of divorce-related issues, how to look at conflicts from their perspective, and how to communicate issues in a healthy way. Class size is limited, and registration is required. Call (985) 649-8529 to register. Sponsored in part by a grant from Capital One Bank.
When: 7– 9 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 12 & 19
Where: SMH Founders Building Conference Room, 1150 Robert Blvd.
Fee: $20 for two sessions
Community Parenting
Slidell Mothers of Twins & Multiples
Mothers of Twins and Multiples provides an opportunity to offer support and share experiences and ideas specific to parenting multiple birth children. Contact Rachel Guidry at (985) 201-7088 for more information.
When: 7:30 p.m., Wed., Jan. 6
Where: SMH Founders Building Conference Room, 1150 Robert Blvd.
MOMS Club of Slidell
The MOMS Club (Mothers Offering Moms Support) is an international group open to all moms in St. Tammany Parish who are at home during the day with their children. Parents and their children meet at the Parenting Center classroom for play, craft activities, parenting discussion and a chance to meet with other moms and their children. A variety of other activities, outings and guest speakers are also scheduled during the month. Meetings also include an overview of upcoming events and activities. Children are invited to all of our meetings. For more information regarding our events, or to learn more about the MOMS Club of Slidell, please e-mail momsclubofslidell@yahoo.com or contact Jennifer Bouzigaurd at (985) 285-0964.
When: 10 a.m., Tues., Jan. 19
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, 951 Robert Blvd.
Weekly Support Groups
Me & My Tot Time
Come and meet other parents/grandparents and their little ones at our weekly support/playgroups. Parenting Center staff provides a learning and support opportunity for parents and a social playtime for children. Parents discuss child development issues and parenting tips, while their children enjoy playtime with other little ones. Refreshments, crafts, story time, music and movement activities are also provided. No registration required. For more information, call (985) 649-8529.
When: Wednesdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20 & 27
9–10 a.m. Walking – 24 months
10 –11 a.m. 25 – 36 months
11 a.m. – Noon 36 months to pre-school
Thursdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 & 28
9-10 a.m. Birth to pre-walking (Baby & Me Tot Time)
10 -11 a.m. Walking – 24 months
11 a.m. - Noon 24 months and up
Where: SMH Parenting Center Classroom, located in the rear of the SMH Wellness Pavilion, 501 Robert Blvd.
Free Car Seat Safety Checks
The Louisiana Office of Public Health Child Safety Coordinator will be on hand to offer free car seat safety checks. Appointment required.
When: Tuesdays, by appointment
Where: SMH Parenting Center parking lot, 501 Robert Blvd. (rear of Wellness Pavilion)
Fee: Free. To book an appointment, please call JamiLyn Hinchey, child safety coordinator for the Louisiana Office of Public Health, (985) 871-1300.