Many of you reading this health blog may be pregnant so let’s talk about the father of this baby for just a moment with Father’s Day just around the corner. 

Having a baby is a family affair. The more informed and involved the father is during the pregnancy, the better the experience will be for you, your partner, and your new baby.

Fathers-to-be often need much of the same support and encouragement that you are receiving. 

•  Upon learning that they are going to have a baby, many men will immediately wonder or worry about whether they will be able to support a family – both financially and emotionally.
•  They will also worry about whether they too will be able to tolerate labor – meaning will they get queasy? Or will they faint? In actuality and thank goodness, very few fathers have ever done either.
•  Finally, many men know very little about what happens when you visit the OBGYN, not to mention a hospital or labor and delivery suite.

Tell him things you’ve read or learned about being pregnant. Explain what you are feeling – what it’s like to feel the baby kicking and rolling. If he doesn’t go to your prenatal visits with you, fill him in on all the details when you see him the next time. Enroll in a childbirth class together, so that both of you can get an idea of what the delivery will be like.

And then, when you are in the 3rd trimester, schedule a time to visit Labor and Delivery together. I bet it will put you both at ease.

Happy Father’s Day!

MUSC offers a class on basic newborn care once every month for expectant parents.  The classes are open to the community and free of charge.  The purpose of the class is to provide information on baby topics such as - baby's appearance and behavior, skin care and dressing, feeding, minor problems and signs of illness, safety, immunizations and follow-up care, and sibling behavior.  The goal of the class is to increase parental knowledge and comfort level regarding newborn care.

The instructors for the classes are registered nurses who work in the newborn/special care nursery at MUSC, so you may see them again when you come to the hospital.  They are specially trained in assisting parents in caring for their newborns, and they have a sincere interest in parent education.  The instructors use lecture, PowerPoint presentations, handouts and demonstrations for teaching, and these individuals constantly seek ways to improve their teaching strategies and to remain current in the information provided.  Parent involvement is encouraged and questions are always welcomed.

All classes are held the second Thursday of each month from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Classes are held in 2 West Classroom in Main Hospital. Parking is available in the garage or G-lot.  To register, please call (843) 792-5300.

by:  Deborah West, MSN, RN
Neonatal Educator

Request an appointment with a MUSC provider.

Women and Infant Services offer outpatient childbirth education classes to patients that get their prenatal care at MUSC and the East Cooper Women’s Center. These classes teach the patient and her support person what to expect during labor and delivery. Alternative pain management options such as relaxation, and breathing techniques are taught.  Another option that is discussed is the epidural, a form of anesthesia.  The classes are a series of 4 that are taught monthly on Mondays and Tuesday nights.  We even have an all day Saturday class to accommodate those that cannot attend the monthly series.

Other topics covered in the childbirth education classes are where to go when it is time, how to take care of yourself after the baby, newborn care, and breastfeeding tips.

The Medical University is dedicated to family centered maternity care and prides ourselves in providing a safe and satisfying birth experience that supports the normalcy of childbirth and empowers the family. The instructors for these classes are certified childbirth educators and work in labor and delivery, so you may see them again when you come to the hospital.

All classes are held in the 2 West Classroom, Main Hospital, from 7-9 pm. Parking is available in the garage or G-lot.  Call (843) 792-5300 to register.  Additional information about the classes can be found on the MUSC Community Calendar.

by:  Adina Garner, BSN, RNC, IBCLC
2008 MUSC Nurse of the year 

Request an appointment with a MUSC provider.