Families On The Grow

BirthPlace Tours

A scheduled tour of the BirthPlace is offered several times each month. This allows expectant parents, support people, siblings and grandparents to view labor and delivery rooms, the mother-baby area and the newborn nursery.

DATES Mondays
January 7, February 11, March 10, April 21, May 5, June 9, July 12, August 4, September 8, October 6, November 10, December 8

Wednesdays
January 16, January 30, February 6, February 20, March 5, March 19, April 16, April 23, May 7, May 21, June 4, June 18, July 9, July 23, August 13, August 27, September 17, September 24, October 1, October 15, November 5, November 19 and December 17
TIME 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
COST Free of charge! Registration required seven days prior to beginning of class. Please enroll early because class size is limited to 15 people.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital Main Lobby
PRESENTER Darcie Ell, L.C.C.E., CD, CLC
Kim Fuhrman, RN
INFO For more information and to register call 303.485.4184.

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Boot Camp for New Dads

This program, a collaboration between Longmont United Hospital and the St.Vrain Family Center, helps new or soon-to-be dads step up to the challenges of being the dad. Topics include:

  • What kind of father will I be?
  • Birth and bonding
  • Forming a new family
  • Caring for baby
  • Caring for mom
  • Parenting as a team
  • Special issues for dads
Attend camp prior to your baby's birth. Dads and their babies are invited back to the next camp after the birth to share their experiences with those soon-to-be fathers!
DATES 2nd Saturday of every month (February 9, April 12, June 14, August 9, October 11 & December 13)
TIME 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
COST $25 (Sliding fee scale is available) Dads and infants attend the second session FREE!
PLACE Longmont United Hospital/Boulder Community Hospital (location alternates every month)
INFO For more information and registration call St. Vrain Family Center at 303.776.5348.

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Breastfeeding

This class is designed for women who want information about breastfeeding that will help ensure a good start with their infants. The benefits of breastfeeding, how the process works, proper positioning, and prevention of common difficulties are topics covered through discussion, video, and demonstration. A variety of pumps will also be reviewed and women will be assisted in determining their own needs for such. Managing breastfeeding when working outside the home will also be discussed.

DATES January 9, 2008
February 13, 2008
March 12, 2008
April 9, 2008
May 14, 2008
June 11, 2008
TIME 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
COST $30 or $15 if registered for our basic childbirth or refresher class
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Erika Townsend, RN, IBCLC, RLC, CPD
INFO Classes are open to pregnant women only and pre-registration is required. Please call 303.485.4184 if you have questions and to register.

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Breastfeeding and Baby Weight Clinic

This FREE clinic is designed to help new mothers and babies, from birth to six weeks of age, get off to a good start with breastfeeding. General topics of discussion will include:

  • Managing postpartum engorgement and nipple soreness
  • Proper latch on and positioning of baby
  • Tracking if baby is getting enough to eat
  • Adding pumping to your feeding schedule
  • Preparing to return to work
The clinic is held Thursday mornings, and is on a drop-in basis.
INFO Please call Darcie Ell at 303.485.4278 prior to first time attending.

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Care Kids: Preparing Children for a New Family Member

Care Kids is a class designed to help children three to eight years of age prepare for their roles as big brothers or sisters. Children are introduced to the process of birth, the hospital setting, and normal newborn characteristics and appearance. Emphasis is placed on helping children recognize how special they are and what an important role they have as the dynamics in the family change.

Please be aware that correct anatomical terms are used throughout the class when appropriate.

DATES February 5, 2008
April 1, 2008
June 17, 2008
TIME 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
COST $20 per family or $10 if parents are registered for our basic childbirth or refresher class. Prepayment and registration required seven days prior to beginning of class.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Darcie Ell, LCCE, CD, CLC
INFO For more information, call 303.485.4184.

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Childbirth Preparation by the Week

This four-week series is designed to prepare expectant parents for the physical and emotional changes that occur during labor, birth and the early postpartum period. Emphasis is placed on understanding the stages of labor, the roles of people involved with the birth and learning various coping techniques and comfort measures to decrease the stress of labor and birth. Classes are casual and comfortable clothing is recommended.

DATES Sunday Evenings
Session I March 30, April 13 & 20, 27, 2008
Monday Evenings
Session I February 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2008
Session II June 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2008
Tuesday Evenings
Session I January 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2008
Session II March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2008
Session III May 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2008
Thursday Evenings
Session I January 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2008
Session II March 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2008
Session III May 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2008
TIME 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m
COST $70 per couple. Prepayment and registration required seven days prior to beginning of class. Please enroll early because class size is limited to 10 couples.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Darcie Ell, LCCE, CD, CLC
INFO For more information and to register call 303.485.4184.

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Childbirth Preparation in a Weekend

This two-day course is designed for those participants who find it difficult to attend a full series of childbirth preparation classes. It is a convenient way for expectant parents to prepare for the emotional and physical changes that occur during labor, birth and the early postpartum period. Emphasis is placed on understanding the stages of labor, the roles of people involved with the birth and learning various coping techniques and comfort measures to decrease the stress of labor and birth. Classes are casual and comfortable clothing is recommended.

DATES Session I January 25 & 26, 2008
Session II February 22 & 23, 2008
Session III March 14 & 15, 2008
Session IV April 11 & 12, 2008
Session V May 30 & 31, 2008
TIME Fridays 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Saturdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
COST $70 per couple - Prepayment and registration required seven days prior to beginning of class. Please enroll early because class size is limited to 10 couples.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Kim Fuhrman, RN and Brenda Bliss, RN
INFO For more information and to register, call 303.485.4184.

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Childbirth Refresher Classes

This two-week series is designed for couples that have previously taken a childbirth preparation course. Expectant parents review breathing, relaxation and comfort techniques, and update their information on hospital routines and medical options.

DATES Session I February 12 & 19, 2008
Session II April 15 & 22, 2008
Session III June 3 & 10, 2008
TIME 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
COST $40 per couple - Prepayment and registration required seven days prior to beginning of class. Please enroll early because class size is limited to 10 couples.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Darcie Ell, LCCE, CD, CLC
INFO For more information and to register call, 303.485.4184.

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Group Infant Massage Classes

Infant massage is an ancient art that is practiced in many cultures around the world. In our "high tech" culture, we often neglect the benefits of "high touch" especially for our children. Infant massage is a wonderful way to support children's well being, improve their sleep patterns, alleviate common infant discomforts including gas, colic and teething, as well as strengthen the bond and communication between infants and their parents. We encourage the whole family to come join in the fun! Certified instructors teach these classes that are fun, casual and a great way to meet other families with newborns.

DATES Session I Wednesday & Thursday, April 15 & 17, 2008
TIME 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
COST $55 includes class, instructional handouts and bottle of infant massage oil
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Christine Ferraro, Certified Instructor of Infant Massage
INFO For more information and registration, call 303.485.4184. Please enroll early because class size is limited to six families.

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Happiest Baby on the Block

Are you ready to be a parent? New babies are such a blessing, but they can also bring with them sleepless nights, crying, and sometimes quite a bit of extra stress. Learn an extraordinary approach to keeping your baby happy. In our Happiest Baby Class, new parents will learn step-by-step how to help their baby sleep better and how to soothe even the fussiest baby in minutes…even seconds! Magic? A miracle? No, it is a reflex! Our class is based on the highly effective new approach to babies pioneered by Dr. Harvey Karp in his best-selling book and DVD, "The Happiest Baby on the Block." Parents will also learn:

  • Why the idea that colic is due to gas pain is mostly an old wives tale
  • Why keeping the house quiet may actually be upsetting to many newborns
  • Why most babies get more upset in the evening
  • Why it is impossible to spoil young babies
  • How to help infants sleep a few hours more at night
  • Why a father is often the best baby calmer in the family
The cost of this class includes a Parent Kit (Containing your choice of "The Happiest Baby on the Block" VHS or DVD and a soothing sounds CD- a $40.00 retail value)
DATES Session 1 February 27, 2008
Session II April 30, 2008
Session III June 4, 2008
TIME 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
COST $70 for two individuals / $5 for each additional person (no DVD for additional persons without charge.) Prepayment and registration is required seven days prior to beginning of class.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Erika Townsend, RN, IBCLC, CPD, RLC
INFO For more information and to register call 303.485.4184.

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Mama's Milk & Tea

Mama's Milk & Tea is teatime for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Bring your baby and come enjoy a quiet time nursing and enjoying the company of other new mothers. A Lactation Consultant is also available during this time to answer any questions you may have.

DATE 3rd Tuesday of every month
TIME 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
COST Free of charge!
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
INFO For location and more information please contact Erika Townsend, RN, IBCLC, RLC 303.485.4277

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Massage for the Expectant Mother

This class is for the pregnant woman and her partner and/or birth support person who want in-depth instruction on specialized massage techniques for pregnancy and labor. These simple and effective techniques reduce the common discomforts of pregnancy and labor, promote relaxation, increase her energy and reduce stress and anxiety - all of which contribute to a healthier, happier pregnancy, delivery and new baby. Classes are casual and comfortable clothing is recommended.

DATES Thursday, February 15, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
TIME 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
COST $44 includes massage lotion and instructional handouts - Please enroll early, class size is limited to ten pregnant women and their partners and/or birth support people and a minimum of three pregnant woman and their partners or birth support. Prepayment and registration required seven days prior to beginning of class.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Shelly Barnard, Certified Prenatal, Labor and Postpartum Massage Therapist
INFO To register call 303.485.4184.

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Newborn Care Class

This class is designed to help parents, grandparents, siblings, daycare providers and anyone interested in newborn care and safety. The class will address the ways to calm a fussy baby, infant choking hazards, sleep patterns, car seat safety, SIDS, signs and symptoms of illness, immunizations and other general newborn topics. No infant CPR is included in this class, please see Heartsaver Pediatric CPR & First Aid class.

DATES February 6, 2008
April 2, 2008
June 12, 2008
TIME 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
COST $50 for two individuals / $5 for each additional person. Prepayment and registration is required seven days prior to beginning of class. Please enroll early because class size is limited to 10 couples.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Kim Hayden, RN, Kim Wesp, LPN
INFO For more information and to register, call 303.485.4184

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Prenatal and Postnatal Water Exercise

Exercise designed for the expectant woman and new mother. Exercise will include light aerobics, muscle toning, stretching and relaxation. Ability to swim is not a prerequisite.

DATE Monday and Wednesday
TIME 5:30 p.m. - 6:25 p.m.
COST $6 per visit
PLACE Therapy Pool at Longmont United Hospital
INFO 303.485.4161

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Prenatal Breastfeeding Consultation

Schedule a 30-minute session with a BirthPlace Certified Lactation Consultant BEFORE your little one arrives to discuss any individual concerns related to breastfeeding. Some situations in which a consultation might be beneficial would include:

  • unsuccessful breastfeeding with a prior child
  • breast surgery or breast trauma
  • flat or inverted nipples
  • general anxiety or questions related to breastfeeding
We recommend scheduling a consultation between 30-35 weeks gestation, however sessions can be scheduled to best fit the expectant mother's needs.
DATE/TIME To be determined by expectant mother and lactation consultant
COST $25 or $20 if enrolled in our Breastfeeding Class
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
INFO Contact Erika Townsend, RN, IBCLC 303.485.4277 for appointment

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Private Childbirth Preparation

If you would like individual instruction or do not have time for the entire childbirth preparation series, a professional childbirth educator can meet with you one-on-one. Whether there is a schedule conflict, language barrier, physical disability, confinement to bed rest or personal reasons that make a private class preferable, we will make every effort to meet individual needs. Cost will vary with services provided.

DATE/TIME Determined by expectant parents and instructor
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Darcie Ell, LCCE, CD, CLC
INFO To register call 303.485.4278

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Private Infant Massage Instruction

Perhaps your schedule does not allow you to join our group classes, so one of our certified instructors can teach your family infant massage one-on-one and in the comfort of your own home or at Longmont United Hospital. We customize the length and content of the instruction to meet your child and family's specific needs. For this reason, private infant massage instruction is also ideal for families of preterm infants and special needs infants.

DATE/TIME Determined by the family and the instructor
COST Based on $40/hour and prorated based on the length of instruction (and outcall if applicable).
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Stacey Gilbert, Michele Kolakowski, Kala Spangler, Karen Martin or Christine Ferraro
INFO For more information and to schedule, call our certified instructors at the Health Center of Integrated Therapies at 303.651.5188.

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Siblings at Birth

Siblings at Birth is a private class designed to help families prepare for having older brothers and sisters present during birth. Information on the process of birth, hospital routines, and the roles of family members and health care providers is presented to help families explore this alternative and plan appropriately. Any family considering this option is directed to discuss the matter with their obstetrician. An attending adult other than the mother and/or significant other is required for every two or more children under the age of eight.

DATE/TIME Determined by family and instructor
COST $30 per family - Prepayment and registration required seven days prior to beginning of class.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Darcie Ell, L.C.C.E., CD, CLC
INFO For more information and registration, call 303.485.4184.

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Teen Childbirth Preparation

This one day class is designed specifically for pregnant teens, 18 years and under, and their support person. Participants are introduced to the process of birth, what to expect after delivery and basic baby care and safety concerns. A tour of the BirthPlace is included. A light lunch will be provided.

DATES February 9, 2008
May 3, 2008
TIME 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
COST Free of charge! Pre-registration required seven days prior to beginning of class. Please enroll early because class size is limited to 10 couples.
PLACE Longmont United Hospital
PRESENTER Kim Fuhrman, RN
INFO For more information and to register, call 303.485.4184.

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