Our classes for expectant families are an extension of the family-centered maternity care services for which Murray-Calloway County Hospital is well known. These classes are often the beginning of a lifelong relationship between the hospital and families who attend classes together.

Through these classes, we help families prepare for an event that is unsurpassed in beauty and significance. We enjoy sharing this special time with your family as you gain knowledge and understanding that will help make delivery a joyous time.

Each participant receives individual attention and excellent instruction. All patients who deliver at MCCH are able to attend prepared childbirth classes free of charge. There is a fee if you are delivering your baby at a different hospital. Our classes are offered on a monthly basis, so convenient sessions are always available.

If you have questions about our classes for expectant families, please contact our lactation consultant at 270.762.1940 or 1.800.342.6224. For more information on the nutrition or wellness classes and services, you may call the Center for Health and Wellness at 270.762.1348.

Please register early in your pregnancy to assure a place in the classes of your choice. We will contact you by telephone or mail you a packet of information, notifying you of class dates and locations.

PERINATAL EDUCATION CLASSES

A registered nurse specializing in childbirth education conducts our prenatal classes.

Prepared childbirth classes provide information on aspects of labor and how to best prepare for labor. These classes also include information on cesarean birth and parenting. Couples participating in these classes receive written materials and see videos relevant to course content.

All of these classes are designed to make your maternity experience more enjoyable. We urge you to take advantage of them. Please call our Lactation Consultant at 270.762.1940 or 1.800.342.6224 during normal business hours for class registration information or for a personal tour of our maternity unit.

MATERNITY CARE TOUR

Even if you are not involved in the classes, you are still invited to come to the hospital and tour the labor, delivery, nursery and maternity areas. Our Lactation Nurse will be your tour guide and will answer any questions you may have.  Please call 270.762.1940 to schedule an appointment.

PREPARED CHILDBIRTH

The prepared childbirth class is held monthly on the first Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. except for holiday weekends, then the class is held on the second Saturday of the month. The class is usually taken four to six weeks before the expected due date.

The Prepared Childbirth class is designed to introduce you and the support person of your choice to the various stages of labor, relaxation and breathing techniques, vaginal delivery, positions for labor, stages of labor, hospital routines and the role of the birthing coach.  Films on childbirth and C-sections are also shown.  Additionally, information on postpartum care, baby care and breastfeeding are also included in the class.

Classes meet in the MCCH Cafeteria located in the North Tower/Poplar Street Entrance on the 1st floor. Because we care about the education of our patients and their families, classes are free if you deliver at MCCH. If you deliver elsewhere, there is a class fee of $70.

BREASTFEEDING CONSULT

To help answer any questions you may have as well as better prepare you for breastfeeding, the Murray-Calloway County Hospital offers you an opportunity to meet with our Lactation Nurse for a one-on-one teaching consult. To set up an appointment, just call our Lactation Consultant at 270.762.1940 or 1.800.342.6224 during normal business hours. Your appointment is free of charge if you plan on delivering at MCCH. Otherwise, your private consult is $75.